Effects of Smartphone Use on Posture, Pain, Function and QoL

The aim of the study is to determine the effects of the use of smartphone on the neck and shoulder posture, pain, and functions, and the quality of life in young adults. The sample of the study consists of university students. According to the scores they got from the Smartphone Addiction Scale-Short Version, all participants will be divided into two groups. The neck and shoulder posture, pain, and functions, and the quality of life will be compared between the two groups.

The study will include 106 university students who are 18-25 years old. According to the scores they got from the Smartphone Addiction Scale-Short Version, all students will be divided into two groups as Excessive Smartphone Use Group and Non-excessive Smartphone Use Group, both consisting of 53 participants. Participants whose scores are higher than 30 will be included to the Excessive Smartphone Use Group, and whose scores are 30 or less will be included to the Non-excessive Smartphone Use Group. In the assessment of pain level, the Visual Analogue Scale will be used. Functional levels of the neck and shoulders will be evaluated with the Copenhagen Neck Functional Disability Scale and the Shoulder Disability Questionnaire. World Health Organization Quality of Life Instrument-Short Form will be utilized to assess the quality of life. Postural analyzes of the participants will be fulfilled with the New York Posture Rating Chart. All scores will be evaluated by comparing between the two groups.