Investigating the effect of smartphone addiction on musculoskeletal system problems and cognitive flexibility in university students

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Smartphone usage has become more common in daily life, and in certain situations, this may lead to addictive behavior. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to investigate the relationship between smartphone addiction and musculoskeletal problems and cognitive flexibility in university students. METHODS: Smartphone addiction was evaluated with the Smartphone Addiction Scale (SAS), the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (NMQ) was used to evaluate musculoskeletal symptoms, and pain was measured with Visual Analog Scale (VAS). Cognitive flexibility was assessed with the Cognitive Flexibility Inventory (CFI). RESULTS: A significant correlation was found between SAS total score and musculoskeletal problems in the upper back, lower back, hip and feet (p < 0.05, r = 0.11; r = 0.16; r = 0.11; r = 0.13, r = 0.14). Smartphone addiction showed a significant positive correlation with neck pain, right hand pain and right arm pain (p < 0.05, r = 0.13; r = 0.17; r = 0.14). There was a significant negative correlation between CFI total score and SAS total score (p < 0.05, r = – 0.13). CONCLUSIONS: Smartphone addiction is associated with musculoskeletal problems, pain and cognitive flexibility in university students. Encouraging an active lifestyle, physical activity, ergonomic arrangements, individual behavioral modification as well as environmental regulations and policies may eliminate the negative effects of smartphone addiction.