Objective: The study was conducted on 112 university students to determine the smartphone addiction level of youths and to investigate the effect of addiction level on neck pain, functional level, muscle sensitivity, and muscle activation level of neck muscles (upper trapezius (UT), cervical erector spinae (CES), sternocleidomastoideus (SCM)).

Material and Method: The cervical muscles were evaluated bilaterally. Muscle activation levels were assessed using surface electromyography through measurements taken during rest and maximum isometric contraction. Muscle sensitivity was assessed using pressure pain threshold measurements. Additionally, the Smartphone Addiction Scale was used to determine the level of smartphone addiction, the Neck Disability Index was employed to assess functional status, and the Visual Analog Scale was utilized to evaluate pain intensity.

Results: There was a negative relationship between the level of smartphone addiction and the pressure pain threshold level of the right and left CES and left UT and functional level. As the smartphone addiction levels of the participants increased, their functional levels worsened, and their limitations increased. There was a positive relationship between the level of smartphone addiction and right CES and UT muscle activation. In addition, as the neck muscle activation level increased, the functional level decreased, the sensitivity and the pain level increased.

Conclusion: As a result, it was determined that smartphone addiction in youths affects the functional level, activation, and sensitivity of neck muscles. Taking into account the effects of smartphone addiction in the study, it is necessary to take necessary precautions regarding smartphone usage and addiction in youths.

Functional status Muscle activation Neck muscles Pain Sensitivity Smartphone addiction