Smartphone AddictionNCT06994104
Exploring the Effects of Smartphone and Game Addiction on Activity, Sleep, Stress, and Pain in Youth
An observational study of Smartphone Addiction and Game Addiction, Video, run by Istanbul University - Cerrahpasa at 2 sites in Turkey (Türkiye).
Trial summary
This study aims to examine the relationship between smartphone and digital game addiction and various health indicators, including physical activity level, sleep quality, stress, fatigue, and musculoskeletal pain among young people. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 18 to 30 yearsHealthy volunteers can take part
- Conditions the study is for
- Smartphone Addiction, Game Addiction, Video, Musculoskeletal Pain Disorder
- How many people
- 194 participants
- Where
- 2 sitesTurkey (Türkiye)
- Study dates
- 9 May 2025to 2 Jan 2026
- 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 30 years
- All sexes
- Healthy volunteers accepted
- Adult
Study population: Participants will be selected from undergraduate students enrolled in physiotherapy and rehabilitation programs at a health sciences faculty in an urban university setting. The population represents young adults aged 18 to 30 years with regular access to smartphones and/or digital games. Participants will be recruited through voluntary participation in response to announcements distributed via institutional communication channels.
- Inclusion Criteria Aged between 18 and 30 years Currently enrolled as a student in a physiotherapy and rehabilitation undergraduate program Willing to voluntarily participate and able to provide signed informed consent Capable of providing self-reported data regarding smartphone or digital game use
- Exclusion Criteria Diagnosis of any neurological, psychiatric, or chronic pain disorder Presence of a serious musculoskeletal condition or a history of major orthopedic surgery Having a medical condition (e.g., sleep disorder) that could affect the study outcomes Previous participation in a treatment program for smartphone or digital game addiction
Trial locations and contacts
2 sites in 1 country.
Turkey (Türkiye)2 sites
Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation
Istanbul, Marmara, 34000
Istanbul University Cerrahpasa, Faculty of Health Science
Istanbul
About this study
Official title: Association of Smartphone and Digital Game Addiction With Physical Activity, Sleep Quality, Stress, Fatigue, and Musculoskeletal Pain in University Students: A Cross-Sectional Study
This study aims to examine the relationship between smartphone and digital game addiction and various health indicators, including physical activity level, sleep quality, stress, fatigue, and musculoskeletal pain among young people. University students often spend prolonged time on digital devices, which may affect their mental and physical well-being. By collecting self-reported data through validated questionnaires, the study will explore how these addictive behaviors are associated with lifestyle and health outcomes. The findings may help guide future interventions to promote healthier technology use among youth.
Read the detailed description
This cross-sectional, observational study investigates the associations between smartphone and digital game addiction and physical activity level, sleep quality, perceived stress, fatigue, and musculoskeletal pain among undergraduate students in the Department of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation at Istanbul University-Cerrahpaşa. The study targets a minimum of 193 participants, with sample size determined via G*Power analysis. Data will be collected using online survey forms distributed to students who provide informed consent.
The study employs a range of validated assessment tools including the Smartphone Addiction Scale-Short Form (SAS-SF), Digital Game Addiction Scale for University Students (DGAS-U), International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Short Form (IPAQ-SF), Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), Multidimensional Fatigue Inventory (MFI-20), Cornell Musculoskeletal Discomfort Questionnaire (CMDQ), and the Numerical Rating Scale (NRS) for pain intensity. Sociodemographic data and screen usage patterns will also be gathered.
Statistical analysis will be conducted using IBM SPSS Statistics (Version 24). Appropriate statistical tests such as correlation analysis, independent samples t-test or Mann-Whitney U test, ANOVA or Kruskal-Wallis test, and multiple regression analysis will be applied to assess relationships and differences among subgroups. Comparisons will be made based on variables such as gender, academic year, screen time, and addiction severity.
This study is expected to reveal important links between digital addiction and decreased physical activity, poor sleep quality, elevated stress levels, fatigue, and increased musculoskeletal pain, particularly in the neck, back, shoulder, elbow, and wrist. It offers a comprehensive evaluation of both psychosocial and physical health outcomes related to digital addiction in physiotherapy students, a population with future responsibilities in musculoskeletal health care.
By highlighting the potential occupational health risks associated with students' digital habits, the study underscores the importance of preventive strategies, including ergonomics education, digital health literacy, and self-care practices. It also contributes uniquely to the literature by addressing how prolonged device use relates to musculoskeletal symptoms and by examining how daily step counts and physical activity levels may be influenced by digital addiction. Ultimately, the findings are expected to inform future interventions aimed at promoting healthier digital behaviors and supporting the well-being of students in health-related academic programs.
- Conditions
- Smartphone Addiction, Game Addiction, Video, Musculoskeletal Pain Disorder, Sleep, Fatigue Symptom, Inactivity, Physical
- Keywords
- Smartphone addiction, Digital game addiction, Physical activity, Sleep quality, Stress, Fatigue, Musculoskeletal pain, University students, Self-reported questionnaire, Screen time
- Medical subject headings
- Internet Addiction Disorder, Technology Addiction, Collagen Diseases, Fatigue, Sedentary Behavior, Motor Activity, Sleep Initiation and Maintenance Disorders, Musculoskeletal Pain
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Physiotherapy Students | Participants are undergraduate students enrolled in the Department of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation. All participants complete the same set of self-reported questionnaires assessing smartphone and digital game addiction, physical activity, sleep quality, stress, fatigue, and musculoskeletal pain. |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Smartphone Addiction Level Measured by SAS-SF
The Smartphone Addiction Scale-Short Form (SAS-SF) is a 10-item self-report instrument scored on a 6-point Likert scale (1 = Strongly disagree, 6 = Strongly agree). The total score ranges from 10 to 60, with higher scores indicating higher levels of smartphone addiction. The Turkish version of the scale has shown high reliability (Cronbach's α = 0.88). All participants will complete the questionnaire online or in print.
Measured: At enrollment
Digital Game Addiction Level Measured by DGAS-U
The Digital Game Addiction Scale for University Students (DGAS-U) consists of 21 items rated on a 5-point Likert scale (1 = Never, 5 = Always). Total scores range from 21 to 105, with higher scores indicating greater digital game addiction. The scale has demonstrated strong psychometric properties in university populations. In this study, the questionnaire will be completed online or in paper form.
Measured: At enrollment
Secondary outcomes (6)
Physical Activity Level Assessed by IPAQ-Short Form
The International Physical Activity Questionnaire - Short Form (IPAQ-SF) will be used to assess the physical activity level over the last 7 days. It includes questions on walking, moderate and vigorous activities, and sitting time. Results are expressed in MET-min/week; higher values indicate greater physical activity.
Measured: At enrollment
Sleep Quality Assessed by Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI)
Sleep quality over the past month will be measured using the PSQI, which includes 19 items grouped into 7 components (e.g., duration, latency, disturbances). The global score ranges from 0 to 21; scores >5 indicate poor sleep quality.
Measured: At enrollment
Perceived Stress Measured by Perceived Stress Scale (PSS)
The PSS-10 will be used to evaluate participants' perceived stress levels over the past month. It contains 10 items rated on a 5-point Likert scale (0-4), with total scores ranging from 0 to 40. Higher scores indicate greater perceived stress.
Measured: At enrollment
Fatigue Level Measured by Multidimensional Fatigue Inventory (MFI-20)
Fatigue will be assessed with the MFI-20, a 20-item instrument measuring five dimensions: general fatigue, physical fatigue, mental fatigue, reduced motivation, and reduced activity. Each item is scored on a 5-point Likert scale, total score ranging from 20 to 100. Higher scores indicate more fatigue.
Measured: At enrollment
Pain Intensity Measured by Numeric Rating Scale (NRS)
Pain intensity in specific anatomical regions (e.g., neck, back, shoulder, elbow, wrist) will be rated using the NRS. Participants score their current pain from 0 (no pain) to 10 (worst possible pain). Widely used in clinical and survey research.
Measured: At enrollment
Musculoskeletal Discomfort Measured by Cornell Musculoskeletal Discomfort Questionnaire (CMDQ)
CMDQ assesses discomfort frequency, severity, and functional interference for over 20 body regions. Participants report symptoms experienced in the past 7 days. Higher scores reflect greater musculoskeletal impact. The tool is validated for use in ergonomic and student populations.
Measured: At enrollment
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted29 May 2025
- Study start9 May 2025
- Primary completion1 Jan 2026
- Study completion2 Jan 2026
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.
- More trials run by Istanbul University - CerrahpasaThe sponsor's other registered studies.
- 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
- Other
- Time perspective
- Cross-sectional
- Enrolment
- 194 participants (actual)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Istanbul University - Cerrahpasa
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Principal investigator, Ayse Zengin Alpozgen, Istanbul University - Cerrahpasa
- Investigators
- Ayşe Zengin Alpözgen, Assoc. Prof., Principal investigator, Istanbul University - Cerrahpasa
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT06994104
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- iucbp25
- Status last verified
- May 2026
- First submitted
- 20 May 2025
- Last updated
- 18 May 2026
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- No: There is no plan to share individual participant data (IPD) because the study involves self-reported questionnaire data collected from healthy volunteers and does not include clinical interventions or sensitive health data requiring broader dissemination.
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 18 May 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Association of Smartphone and Digital Game Addiction With Physical Activity, Sleep Quality, Stress, Fatigue, and Musculoskeletal Pain in University Students: A Cross-Sectional Study
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT06994104
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- iucbp25
- Conditions
- Smartphone Addiction, Game Addiction, Video, Musculoskeletal Pain Disorder, Sleep, Fatigue Symptom, Inactivity, Physical
- Keywords
- Smartphone addiction, Digital game addiction, Physical activity, Sleep quality, Stress, Fatigue, Musculoskeletal pain, University students
- Study type
- Observational
- Recruitment status
- Completed
- Enrolment
- 194 participants (actual)
- Lead sponsor
- Istanbul University - CerrahpasaUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 9 May 2025 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 1 Jan 2026 (actual)
- Study completion
- 2 Jan 2026 (actual)
- First posted
- 29 May 2025 (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.
This study aims to examine the relationship between smartphone and digital game addiction and various health indicators, including physical activity level, sleep quality, stress, fatigue, and musculoskeletal pain among young people. University students often spend prolonged time on digital devices, which may affect their mental and physical well-being. By collecting self-reported data through validated questionnaires, the study will explore how these addictive behaviors are associated with lifestyle and health outcomes. The findings may help guide future interventions to promote healthier technology use among youth.
Detailed description
This cross-sectional, observational study investigates the associations between smartphone and digital game addiction and physical activity level, sleep quality, perceived stress, fatigue, and musculoskeletal pain among undergraduate students in the Department of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation at Istanbul University-Cerrahpaşa. The study targets a minimum of 193 participants, with sample size determined via G*Power analysis. Data will be collected using online survey forms distributed to students who provide informed consent.
The study employs a range of validated assessment tools including the Smartphone Addiction Scale-Short Form (SAS-SF), Digital Game Addiction Scale for University Students (DGAS-U), International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Short Form (IPAQ-SF), Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), Multidimensional Fatigue Inventory (MFI-20), Cornell Musculoskeletal Discomfort Questionnaire (CMDQ), and the Numerical Rating Scale (NRS) for pain intensity. Sociodemographic data and screen usage patterns will also be gathered.
Statistical analysis will be conducted using IBM SPSS Statistics (Version 24). Appropriate statistical tests such as correlation analysis, independent samples t-test or Mann-Whitney U test, ANOVA or Kruskal-Wallis test, and multiple regression analysis will be applied to assess relationships and differences among subgroups. Comparisons will be made based on variables such as gender, academic year, screen time, and addiction severity.
This study is expected to reveal important links between digital addiction and decreased physical activity, poor sleep quality, elevated stress levels, fatigue, and increased musculoskeletal pain, particularly in the neck, back, shoulder, elbow, and wrist. It offers a comprehensive evaluation of both psychosocial and physical health outcomes related to digital addiction in physiotherapy students, a population with future responsibilities in musculoskeletal health care.
By highlighting the potential occupational health risks associated with students' digital habits, the study underscores the importance of preventive strategies, including ergonomics education, digital health literacy, and self-care practices. It also contributes uniquely to the literature by addressing how prolonged device use relates to musculoskeletal symptoms and by examining how daily step counts and physical activity levels may be influenced by digital addiction. Ultimately, the findings are expected to inform future interventions aimed at promoting healthier digital behaviors and supporting the well-being of students in health-related academic programs.
Study design
- Observational model
- Other
- Time perspective
- Cross-sectional
- Number of arms
- 1
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Physiotherapy Students | – | –Participants are undergraduate students enrolled in the Department of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation. All participants complete the same set of self-reported questionnaires assessing smartphone and digital game addiction, physical activity, sleep quality, stress, fatigue, and musculoskeletal pain. |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 18 to 30 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Accepted
- Age groups
- Adult
- Study population
- Participants will be selected from undergraduate students enrolled in physiotherapy and rehabilitation programs at a health sciences faculty in an urban university setting. The population represents young adults aged 18 to 30 years with regular access to smartphones and/or digital games. Participants will be recruited through voluntary participation in response to announcements distributed via institutional communication channels.
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 Level Measured by SAS-SF
Time frame: At enrollment
The Smartphone Addiction Scale-Short Form (SAS-SF) is a 10-item self-report instrument scored on a 6-point Likert scale (1 = Strongly disagree, 6 = Strongly agree). The total score ranges from 10 to 60, with higher scores indicating higher levels of smartphone addiction. The Turkish version of the scale has shown high reliability (Cronbach's α = 0.88). All participants will complete the questionnaire online or in print.
Digital Game Addiction Level Measured by DGAS-U
Time frame: At enrollment
The Digital Game Addiction Scale for University Students (DGAS-U) consists of 21 items rated on a 5-point Likert scale (1 = Never, 5 = Always). Total scores range from 21 to 105, with higher scores indicating greater digital game addiction. The scale has demonstrated strong psychometric properties in university populations. In this study, the questionnaire will be completed online or in paper form.
6 secondary outcomes
Physical Activity Level Assessed by IPAQ-Short Form
Time frame: At enrollment
Sleep Quality Assessed by Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI)
Time frame: At enrollment
Perceived Stress Measured by Perceived Stress Scale (PSS)
Time frame: At enrollment
Fatigue Level Measured by Multidimensional Fatigue Inventory (MFI-20)
Time frame: At enrollment
Pain Intensity Measured by Numeric Rating Scale (NRS)
Time frame: At enrollment
Musculoskeletal Discomfort Measured by Cornell Musculoskeletal Discomfort Questionnaire (CMDQ)
Time frame: At enrollment
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 18 May 2026.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: No. There is no plan to share individual participant data (IPD) because the study involves self-reported questionnaire data collected from healthy volunteers and does not include clinical interventions or sensitive health data requiring broader dissemination.
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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.
Ayşe Zengin Alpözgen, Assoc. Prof. principal investigator
Istanbul University - Cerrahpasa
2 sites 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 and Game Addiction, Video, run by Istanbul University - Cerrahpasa at 2 sites 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?
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 18 May 2026. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.
Where is the study taking place?
The record lists 2 sites 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 Level Measured by SAS-SF (time frame: At enrollment). The study lists 2 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 18 May 2026.