Smartphone Addiction on the Biomechanical Properties of Thumb Muscles and Thumb Sensory Sensitivity

Investigation of the Effect of Smartphone Addiction on the Biomechanical Properties of Thumb Muscles and Thumb Sensory Sensitivity in University Students

This study will aim to assess the effects of smartphone addiction on thumb muscle biomechanics and sensory sensitivity among university students. The research will investigate whether excessive smartphone use leads to significant differences in muscle tone, stiffness, elasticity, and sensory discrimination capabilities.

This will be a prospective, non-randomized, controlled observational study designed to examine the impact of smartphone addiction on the neuromuscular and sensory function of the thumbs. A total of 36 university students aged 18 to 30 will be recruited and categorized into two groups based on their scores from the Smartphone Addiction Scale - Short Version (SAS-SV): addicted and non-addicted.

Participants' weekly screen times will be recorded, and the smartphone applications used will be categorized. The MyotonPro™ device will be used to measure the biomechanical properties of three thumb muscles (abductor pollicis brevis, flexor pollicis brevis, and opponens pollicis) in both hands. Sensory function will be assessed bilaterally using the Baseline Aesthesiometer via two-point discrimination testing.

This study will evaluate whether significant biomechanical or sensory changes are observable among addicted users compared to non-addicted users, and whether screen time is correlated with any muscular or sensory outcomes.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Aged 18-30 years
• Currently enrolled university students
• Regular smartphone users

Exclusion Criteria:

• Presence of systemic, chronic, or neuromuscular disorders
• History of upper limb surgery or trauma
• Neurological or orthopedic conditions affecting upper extremities
• Subcutaneous fat over target muscles >20 mm
• Presence of wounds or burns on the measurement area