The study was conducted on 112 university students to determine the level of smartphone addiction and to investigate the effect of smart phone addiction level on neck pain, functional level, pain pressure threshold level and muscle activation of neck muscles.

The neck muscles of the participants (upper trapezius, cervical erector spina, sternocleidomastoideus muscles) were evaluated bilaterally. Muscle activation levels were measured by resting and maximum isometric contraction measurements by using superficial electromyography. Muscle sensitivity was assessed using pressure pain threshold. In addition, Smartphone Addiction Scale was used to determine the level of smartphone dependence, Neck Disability Index was used to determine functional level and Visual Analog Scale was used to evaluate pain level.

There was no significant relationship between smart phone addiction level and neck pain level, and there was a significant and negative relationship between smartphone addiction level and pressure pain threshold level of the left upper trapezius, right and left cervical erector spines(p <0.05). As the smartphone addicition levels of the patients increased, their functional levels worsened and their limitations increased. It was found that there was a significant and positive relationship between the level of smartphone addiction and right cervical erector spina muscle and right upper trapezoidal muscle activation (p <0.05). In addition, as the muscle activation level in the neck muscles increased, the functional level decreased, the sensitivity increased and the pain level increased.

It has been found that smartphone addiction on young people has an effect on functional level, activation and sensitivity of neck muscles. Taking into account the effects of smartphone addiction in our study, it is necessary to take necessary precautions about smartphone usage and addiction in young people.

Keywords: Smartphone Addiction, Neck Muscles, Pain, Pressure, Muscle Activation, Functional Status

-Study is made by Menekşe Şafak

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