NCT07627542 An Investigation of the Effect of Smartphone Usage Levels on Cervical Posture, Tongue Pressure, Balance, and Neck Disability in Individuals With Rheumatoid Arthritis and Ankylosing Spondylitis
| NCT ID | NCT07627542 |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Phase | — |
| Sponsor | Merve Şahin |
| Condition | Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) |
| Study Type | OBSERVATIONAL |
| Enrollment | 111 participants |
| Start Date | 2026-04-09 |
| Primary Completion | 2026-11 |
Eligibility & Interventions
Eligibility Fast-Check
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What to Expect as a Participant
This is an observational study. You will not receive an experimental treatment; researchers will collect data based on your existing condition or standard treatment.
This trial targets 111 participants in total. It began in 2026-04-09 with a primary completion date of 2026-11.
⚠ This information is for research awareness only. Always consult your physician before joining any clinical trial. Participation is voluntary and you may withdraw at any time.
Brief Summary
The purpose of this cross-sectional and comparative study is to investigate the impact of smartphone addiction on the cervical posture, musculoskeletal system, balance, and tongue pressure in individuals diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) and Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS), and to compare these findings with a healthy control group. Smartphone addiction has become a major contributing factor to postural alterations such as Text Neck Syndrome. This study aims to evaluate and compare the Craniovertebral Angle (CVA), neck extensor muscle strength, Pressure Pain Thresholds (PPT) of the neck and shoulder, Single-Leg Stance (SLS) static balance, and tongue pressure among three distinct groups. A healthy control group will be included as a reference baseline to differentiate the postural and functional deterioration caused by rheumatological diseases from the additional mechanical load imposed by smartphone dependency. To eliminate the misleading effects of acute pain, joint swelling, and severe functional limitations during flare-ups, only patients with stable disease activity (DAS28 \< 3.2 for RA and BASDAI \< 4 for AS) will be enrolled. This approach aims to examine the pure biomechanical relationship between technological dependency and cervical functions, independent of active systemic inflammation.
Eligibility Criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Aged 18 to 65 years. * Using a smartphone for at least 2 hours daily. * Able to understand and follow postural commands during clinical measurements. * For the Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) Group: Diagnosed with RA by a rheumatologist, with a stable disease activity score (DAS28 \< 3.2). * For the Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS) Group: Diagnosed with AS by a rheumatologist, with a stable disease activity score (BASDAI \< 4). Exclusion Criteria: * History of prior surgical intervention in the cervical region. * Presence of neurological diseases (e.g., Parkinson's disease, ALS). * Severe visual or hearing impairment. * Vestibular system disorders. * Severe limitation in jaw opening. * Presence of acute neck trauma or malignancy. * Lower extremity amputation or advanced arthritis that prevents performing the balance test. * Active use of muscle relaxants or advanced sedative medications.
Contact & Investigator
Fatma ERDEO, Assistant Professor
STUDY DIRECTOR
Necmettin Erbakan University Faculty of Health Sciences
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can join the NCT07627542 clinical trial?
This trial is open to participants of all sexes, aged 18 Years or older, up to 65 Years, studying Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA). Full inclusion and exclusion criteria are listed in the Eligibility Criteria section. Always confirm your eligibility with the research team before applying.
Is NCT07627542 currently recruiting?
Yes, NCT07627542 is actively recruiting participants. Contact the research team at ferdeo@erbakan.edu.tr for enrollment information.
Where is the NCT07627542 trial being conducted?
This trial is being conducted at Konya, Turkey (Türkiye).
Who is sponsoring the NCT07627542 clinical trial?
NCT07627542 is sponsored by Merve Şahin. The principal investigator is Fatma ERDEO, Assistant Professor at Necmettin Erbakan University Faculty of Health Sciences. The trial plans to enroll 111 participants.
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