Investigation of the effect of smartphone addiction on upper extremity functions in healthy adults in Turkey: A cross-sectional study
Journal of Hand Therapy, cilt.39, sa.3, ss.602-609, 2026 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus)
- Yayın Türü: Makale / Tam Makale
- Cilt numarası: 39 Sayı: 3
- Basım Tarihi: 2026
- Doi Numarası: 10.1016/j.jht.2025.12.009
- Dergi Adı: Journal of Hand Therapy
- Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, CINAHL, EMBASE, MEDLINE
- Sayfa Sayıları: ss.602-609
- Anahtar Kelimeler: Coordination, Muscle strength, Neck disability, Performance, Smartphone addiction
- Ankara Yıldırım Beyazıt Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet
Özet
Background: Turkey has a high rate of average daily phone usage time. Purpose: The study was planned to investigate the effect of smartphone addiction on upper extremity function in healthy adults in Turkey. Study Design: The study was designed as a cross-sectional study. Methods: The study was conducted between January to May 2025 with university students studying at a university in Turkey. Addiction level was evaluated using the Smartphone Addiction Scale-Short Version (SAS-SV); muscle strength was evaluated using Hydraulic Hand Dynamometer and Mechanical Pinch Gauge; and hand-eye coordination was evaluated using Minnesota Manual Dexterity Test (MMDT). Quick Disabilities Of The Arm, Shoulder, and Hand Questionnaire (Quick-DASH) was used for upper extremity functioning and Neck Disability Index (NDI) was used for neck disabilities. Results: Our study was completed with 213 participants. 79.7% (n = 166) of the participants were female with a mean age of 20.99 ± 3.95 years. Smartphone addiction was 47.9%. In the turning test of the sub- dimension of the MMDT, participants with smartphone addiction demonstrated lower performance (p < 0.05). In addition, Quick-DASH and NDI scores were significantly higher among addicts compared to non-addicts (p < 0.05). Correlation analysis revealed a positive correlation between SAS-SV scores and the turning test, daily smartphone usage time, Quick-DASH, and NDI scores (p = 0.014, r = 0.17; p < 0.001, r = 0.31; p < 0.001, r = 0.28; and p < 0.001, r = 0.35, respectively). Furthermore, as cervical flexion posture increased during phone use, both Quick-DASH and NDI scores also increased (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Smartphone addiction and increased flexion posture in the cervical region negatively affect hand-eye coordination, upper extremity and cervical spine health in users. Physiotherapists should take the lead in developing healthy posture habits and body awareness in adults who use smartphones intensively.