The Effect of Deep Neck Extensor Muscle Endurance on Pain, Disability and Sleep Quality Among University Students with Smartphone Addiction: A Descriptive and Cross-Sectional Study

Objective: The aim of the study is to investigate the effect of neck extensor muscle endurance on neck pain, neck disability and sleep problems among university students with smartphone addiction. Material and Methods: A total of 192 university students aged 18-25 years participated in the study. ''Smartphone Addiction Scale-Short Form'' was used to determine smartphone addiction. Neck extensor muscle endurance was assessed using the ''Cervical Extension Endurance Test'', neck pain at rest and during activity was analyzed using the ''Visual Analog Scale'', neck disability was assessed using the ''Neck Pain and Disability Index'', and sleep problems were investigated with the ''Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index''. Results: It was found that 45.8% of the university students were addicted to smartphones. Neck extensor muscle endurance (p=0.029) was significantly lower, neck disability (p=0.039) and neck pain (rest pain p=0.050; activity pain p=0.012) were significantly higher in the smartphone addicted group. Neck extensor muscle endurance was not found to be associated with pain, neck disability and sleep quality among the participants with smartphone addiction. However, it was maintained that there is a positive correlation between neck disability, pain and sleep quality (p<0.005). Conclusion: Smartphone addiction causes neck pain, neck disability and sleep problems by weakening neck functions. Neck injury is linked to pain and sleep quality in smartphone addicts. Our results emphasize the importance of informing individuals about the risks of smartphone addiction. Especially in individuals with smartphone addiction, it is recommended to reduce the duration of phone use.