Smartphone AddictionNCT06636929
Effect of Problematic Smartphone Use
An observational study of Smartphone Addiction, run by Kutahya Health Sciences University at 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye).
Trial summary
There is no study that examines the effect of problematic use of smartphones, which has become a global problem today, on reaction time and cognitive functions together. This study was planned to examine the effect of problematic smartphone use on upper extremity functions and cognitive functions. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 18 to 25 yearsHealthy volunteers can take part
- Conditions the study is for
- Smartphone Addiction
- How many people
- 131 participants
- Where
- 1 siteTurkey (Türkiye)
- Study dates
- 20 Oct 2024to 31 Dec 2025
- Phase
- Observational
- Are there results?
- None posted in the registry
Key requirements
Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.
- Ages 18 to 25 years
- All sexes
- Healthy volunteers accepted
- Adult
Study population: Healthy adults aged 18-25 years
Who may be able to join
- To be between 18-25 years old
- Using a smartphone for at least 1 hour a day
- Volunteering to participate in the study
Who cannot join
- Having undergone a surgical operation involving the upper extremity within the last 6 months
- History of trauma to the shoulder, elbow, hand and wrist in the last 6 months
- Presence of a diagnosed neurological, rheumatic or psychiatric disease
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country.
Turkey (Türkiye)1 site
Kutahya Health Sciences University
Kütahya, Center, 43100
About this study
Official title: Effect of Problematic Smartphone Use on Upper Extremity Functions and Cognitive Functions
There is no study that examines the effect of problematic use of smartphones, which has become a global problem today, on reaction time and cognitive functions together. This study was planned to examine the effect of problematic smartphone use on upper extremity functions and cognitive functions. Participants' problematic smartphone use will be evaluated with the Smartphone Addiction Scale Short Form. Within the scope of upper extremity functions, Quick Disabilities of Arm, Shoulder \& Hand Questionnaire, reaction time and grip strength will be evaluated. Reaction time will be measured with BlazePod Trainer (Blazepod Trainer Device, Play Coyotta Ltd, Tel Aviv, Israel). Jamar dynamometer (Performance Health, Warrenville, IL) will be used to evaluate grip strength. Cognitive functions will be assessed using the Stroop Test ÇAPA Form, Trail Making Test and Cognitive Failures Questionnaire.
- Conditions
- Smartphone Addiction
- Keywords
- problematic smartphone use, smartphone addiction, cognitive function, reaction time, upper extremity problem
- Medical subject headings
- Internet Addiction Disorder
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Study group | Participants with problematic smartphone use were identified with the Smartphone Addiction Scale Short Form. Participants with a score above 31 for women and 33 for men were defined as individuals with problematic smartphone use. | |
| Control group | Participants with problematic smartphone use were identified with the Smartphone Addiction Scale Short Form. Participants with a score below 31 for women and 33 for men were defined as the control group. |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Smartphone Addiction Scale Short Form
It is a 10-item scale to assess problematic smartphone use. Each item in the scale is scored between 1 (strongly disagree) and 6 (strongly agree). The total score ranges from 10-60, with higher scores indicating an increased risk of smartphone addiction. The cut-off score of the scale was reported as 33 for women and 31 for men.
Measured: Baseline
Upper Extremity Functions-Quick Disabilities of Arm, Shoulder & Hand (Quick DASH)
In the 11-question scale, difficulties encountered during activities of daily living (carrying shopping bags, opening jars, using a knife to cut food, etc.) due to problems in the shoulder, elbow and hand regions are scored from 1 (no difficulty) to 5 (no difficulty at all). A higher total score indicates an increased level of functional limitation in the upper limb.
Measured: Baseline
Upper Extremity Functions-Reaction Time
The upper extremity reaction time will be assessed using the BlazePod Trainer (Blazepod Trainer Device, Play Coyotta Ltd, Tel Aviv, Israel). Participants will be asked to hit 5 LEDs on a table as quickly as possible using only one hand while in a seated position. The LEDs will be arranged in an arc on the table within the participant's reach without disturbing their seated posture. The right and left hands will be evaluated separately. The number of LEDs hit in 30 seconds, the unit hit time (ms), and the number of missed LEDs (those that automatically hit after a 5-second waiting period) will be recorded through the BlazePod app installed on the researchers' phones.
Measured: Baseline
Upper Extremity Functions-Grip Strength
A calibrated digital Jamar dynamometer (Performance Health, Warrenville, IL) will be used for grip strength. Participants will be instructed to squeeze the dynamometer as hard as possible while sitting in an upright position as recommended by the American Society of Hand Therapists, with arms at their sides, elbows flexed 90° and forearms in a neutral position. For hand grip strength, 3 measurements will be made with one minute intervals between each measurement and the average value will be recorded.
Measured: Baseline
Cognitive Functions-Stroop Test ÇAPA Form
It is used to assess executive functions such as attention, information processing speed and response inhibition. The Stroop Test ÇAPA Form consists of a total of 60 items. In the first part, there are small rectangles (0.5 x 1 cm) with colors such as yellow, blue and red. In the second part, there are color names written in different colors. The test is administered in 3 stages. In the first part (Stroop A), the person is asked to name the colors in the boxes from left to right. If a color blindness is detected, the test can be terminated. In the second part (Stroop B), the person is asked to read quickly the color names written in different colors (yellow, red, green). In the third part (Stroop C), participants are asked to say the colors of the words (blue, green, yellow) without reading the color names. In all three parts, the time is timed and recorded with a stopwatch.
Measured: Baseline
Cognitive Functions-Trail Making Test
It is used to assess cognitive functions such as working memory, complex attention and cognitive flexibility. It requires visual scanning and hand-eye coordination. The Trail Making Test consists of 25 circles with numbers distributed on paper and has 2 sections (IST A-B). Section A contains numbers numbered between 1 and 25, and during the test, individuals are asked to connect the circles by drawing lines consecutively and in the correct order. In part B, the circles contain both numbers and letters. Participants are asked to quickly connect the circles in consecutive order in accordance with the order of numbers and letters (1-A, 2-B, 3-C, etc.) by drawing a line without lifting the pencil from the paper. The time to complete each trace is recorded in seconds (s), A and B.
Measured: Baseline
Cognitive Functions-Cognitive Failures Questionnaire
Errors in perception, memory and motor functions in daily life are assessed with 25 questions. Each question is scored from 0 (never) to 4 (very often). The total score ranges from 0-100, with a higher score indicating an increased level of cognitive error.
Measured: Baseline
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted15 Oct 2024
- Study start20 Oct 2024
- Primary completion30 Jun 2025
- Study completion31 Dec 2025
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Other trials for Smartphone AddictionStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- What the trial phases meanHow a treatment moves from first tests in people to approval.
More details
For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.
Study design
- Study type
- Observational
- Observational model
- Case-control
- Time perspective
- Cross-sectional
- Enrolment
- 131 participants (actual)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Kutahya Health Sciences University
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Principal investigator, Ismail Okur, Kutahya Health Sciences University
- Investigators
- Ismail Okur, PT, PhD, Principal investigator, Kutahya Health Sciences University
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT06636929
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- KSBU 2024/04-27
- Status last verified
- Mar 2026
- First submitted
- 8 Oct 2024
- Last updated
- 10 Mar 2026
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 10 Mar 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Effect of Problematic Smartphone Use on Upper Extremity Functions and Cognitive Functions
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT06636929
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- KSBU 2024/04-27
- Conditions
- Smartphone Addiction
- Keywords
- problematic smartphone use, smartphone addiction, cognitive function, reaction time, upper extremity problem
- Study type
- Observational
- Recruitment status
- Completed
- Enrolment
- 131 participants (actual)
- Lead sponsor
- Kutahya Health Sciences UniversityUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 20 Oct 2024 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 30 Jun 2025 (actual)
- Study completion
- 31 Dec 2025 (actual)
- First posted
- 15 Oct 2024 (actual)
- Results
- Not posted in the source record
Clinical summary
The research question as the sponsor registered it. This describes what the study plans to test, not what it found.
There is no study that examines the effect of problematic use of smartphones, which has become a global problem today, on reaction time and cognitive functions together. This study was planned to examine the effect of problematic smartphone use on upper extremity functions and cognitive functions. Participants' problematic smartphone use will be evaluated with the Smartphone Addiction Scale Short Form. Within the scope of upper extremity functions, Quick Disabilities of Arm, Shoulder \& Hand Questionnaire, reaction time and grip strength will be evaluated. Reaction time will be measured with BlazePod Trainer (Blazepod Trainer Device, Play Coyotta Ltd, Tel Aviv, Israel). Jamar dynamometer (Performance Health, Warrenville, IL) will be used to evaluate grip strength. Cognitive functions will be assessed using the Stroop Test ÇAPA Form, Trail Making Test and Cognitive Failures Questionnaire.
Study design
- Observational model
- Case-control
- Time perspective
- Cross-sectional
- Number of arms
- 2
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Study group | – | –Participants with problematic smartphone use were identified with the Smartphone Addiction Scale Short Form. Participants with a score above 31 for women and 33 for men were defined as individuals with problematic smartphone use. |
| Control group | – | –Participants with problematic smartphone use were identified with the Smartphone Addiction Scale Short Form. Participants with a score below 31 for women and 33 for men were defined as the control group. |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 18 to 25 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Accepted
- Age groups
- Adult
- Study population
- Healthy adults aged 18-25 years
Key inclusion criteria (3 listed)
- To be between 18-25 years old
- Using a smartphone for at least 1 hour a day
- Volunteering to participate in the study
Key exclusion criteria (3 listed)
- Having undergone a surgical operation involving the upper extremity within the last 6 months
- History of trauma to the shoulder, elbow, hand and wrist in the last 6 months
- Presence of a diagnosed neurological, rheumatic or psychiatric disease
Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening; this overview does not establish that a patient qualifies. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Primary outcome
Smartphone Addiction Scale Short Form
Time frame: Baseline
It is a 10-item scale to assess problematic smartphone use. Each item in the scale is scored between 1 (strongly disagree) and 6 (strongly agree). The total score ranges from 10-60, with higher scores indicating an increased risk of smartphone addiction. The cut-off score of the scale was reported as 33 for women and 31 for men.
Upper Extremity Functions-Quick Disabilities of Arm, Shoulder & Hand (Quick DASH)
Time frame: Baseline
In the 11-question scale, difficulties encountered during activities of daily living (carrying shopping bags, opening jars, using a knife to cut food, etc.) due to problems in the shoulder, elbow and hand regions are scored from 1 (no difficulty) to 5 (no difficulty at all). A higher total score indicates an increased level of functional limitation in the upper limb.
Upper Extremity Functions-Reaction Time
Time frame: Baseline
The upper extremity reaction time will be assessed using the BlazePod Trainer (Blazepod Trainer Device, Play Coyotta Ltd, Tel Aviv, Israel). Participants will be asked to hit 5 LEDs on a table as quickly as possible using only one hand while in a seated position. The LEDs will be arranged in an arc on the table within the participant's reach without disturbing their seated posture. The right and left hands will be evaluated separately. The number of LEDs hit in 30 seconds, the unit hit time (ms), and the number of missed LEDs (those that automatically hit after a 5-second waiting period) will be recorded through the BlazePod app installed on the researchers' phones.
Upper Extremity Functions-Grip Strength
Time frame: Baseline
A calibrated digital Jamar dynamometer (Performance Health, Warrenville, IL) will be used for grip strength. Participants will be instructed to squeeze the dynamometer as hard as possible while sitting in an upright position as recommended by the American Society of Hand Therapists, with arms at their sides, elbows flexed 90° and forearms in a neutral position. For hand grip strength, 3 measurements will be made with one minute intervals between each measurement and the average value will be recorded.
Cognitive Functions-Stroop Test ÇAPA Form
Time frame: Baseline
It is used to assess executive functions such as attention, information processing speed and response inhibition. The Stroop Test ÇAPA Form consists of a total of 60 items. In the first part, there are small rectangles (0.5 x 1 cm) with colors such as yellow, blue and red. In the second part, there are color names written in different colors. The test is administered in 3 stages. In the first part (Stroop A), the person is asked to name the colors in the boxes from left to right. If a color blindness is detected, the test can be terminated. In the second part (Stroop B), the person is asked to read quickly the color names written in different colors (yellow, red, green). In the third part (Stroop C), participants are asked to say the colors of the words (blue, green, yellow) without reading the color names. In all three parts, the time is timed and recorded with a stopwatch.
Cognitive Functions-Trail Making Test
Time frame: Baseline
It is used to assess cognitive functions such as working memory, complex attention and cognitive flexibility. It requires visual scanning and hand-eye coordination. The Trail Making Test consists of 25 circles with numbers distributed on paper and has 2 sections (IST A-B). Section A contains numbers numbered between 1 and 25, and during the test, individuals are asked to connect the circles by drawing lines consecutively and in the correct order. In part B, the circles contain both numbers and letters. Participants are asked to quickly connect the circles in consecutive order in accordance with the order of numbers and letters (1-A, 2-B, 3-C, etc.) by drawing a line without lifting the pencil from the paper. The time to complete each trace is recorded in seconds (s), A and B.
Cognitive Functions-Cognitive Failures Questionnaire
Time frame: Baseline
Errors in perception, memory and motor functions in daily life are assessed with 25 questions. Each question is scored from 0 (never) to 4 (very often). The total score ranges from 0-100, with a higher score indicating an increased level of cognitive error.
Results and safety
The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 10 Mar 2026.
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Referral and contact
AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals. Contact the study team or a site listed below; they decide who can take part. This study is not recruiting at the moment.
Ismail Okur, PT, PhD principal investigator
Kutahya Health Sciences University
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
An observational study of Smartphone Addiction, run by Kutahya Health Sciences University at 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye).
The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.
Who may be eligible to take part?
The sponsor lists 3 inclusion and 3 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.
Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?
The record says: finished, as of the sponsor's last update on 10 Mar 2026. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.
Where is the study taking place?
The record lists 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye). Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.
What are the possible benefits and risks?
They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.
Are results available for this study?
The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
The record lists no contact. The official record names the sponsor, who can be asked directly. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
Smartphone Addiction Scale Short Form (time frame: Baseline). The study lists 7 primary outcomes in all. It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?
No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.
How often is this information updated?
AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 10 Mar 2026.