Investigation of the relationship between smartphone addiction and locomotive syndrome in university students

Excessive use of smartphones, which offer many conveniences to daily life with technological developments, is one of the leading causes of addiction worldwide. Smartphone addiction needs to be addressed multidimensionally due to its relationship with many biopsychosocial factors. The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between smartphone addiction and locomotive syndrome in individuals with smartphone addiction due to musculoskeletal system involvement. Our cross-sectional study included 129 participants, 74 of whom were normal users and 55 of whom were smartphone addicts. Participants' smartphone addiction was measured using the Smartphone Addiction Short Form, musculoskeletal disorders were measured using the Cornell Musculoskeletal System Assessment Questionnaire, physical activity levels were measured using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire Short Form (IPAQ), and postures were measured using the New York Posture Assessment Method, static balance was evaluated using the One Foot Balance Test, back-leg isometric muscle strength was evaluated using the Basaline Back-Leg Dynamometer, hand grip strength was evaluated using the Basaline Hand Dynamometer, locomotive syndromes were evaluated using the Two Step Test, Stand Up Test, Geriatric Locomotive Syndrome Questionnaire (GLSA). In intergroup comparison, the incidence of locomotive syndrome was significantly higher in the group with smartphone addiction (p<0.01). The New York Posture Assessment Method scores, static balance test times, physical activity levels, back-leg muscle strengths, hand grip strengths were significantly lower in the group with smartphone addiction (p<0.05), while the neck and waist discomfort scores were significantly higher (p<0.05). According to our study results, smartphone addiction predisposes to locomotive syndrome by affecting the musculoskeletal system. Smartphone addiction can be seen as an important risk factor causing locomotive syndrome in young people Key words: Smartphone Addiction, Locomotive Syndrome, Back Muscle Strength, Leg Muscle Strength, Balance, Posture, Physical Activity, Pain