Investigation of the Effect of Screen Time Before Sleep on Posture Disorders and Dynamic Balance

April 22, 2026 updated by: ESRA PEHLIVAN, Saglik Bilimleri Universitesi
The widespread use of electronic devices such as smartphones, tablets, and laptops has significantly increased screen exposure, especially before sleep. Prolonged screen use may contribute to poor posture by promoting forward head posture, rounded shoulders, and other musculoskeletal problems. In addition, screen exposure before sleep may negatively affect sleep quality and neuromuscular performance, which may in turn influence postural control and balance.

Study Overview

Status

Not yet recruiting

Detailed Description

Postural disorders arise from the disruption of the natural alignment of the spine and are often associated with muscle imbalances, joint stress, and pain. Incorrect posture caused by prolonged technology use has been reported to increase the risk of musculoskeletal problems among young adults.

Dynamic balance is an important component of postural control and is influenced by the integration of sensory input and neuromuscular responses. Sleep disturbances and lifestyle habits, including excessive screen exposure before sleep, may affect this complex system.

Therefore, the aim of this study is to investigate the effect of screen time before sleep on posture disorders and dynamic balance in healthy young adults. Participants aged between 18 and 35 years will be evaluated for screen usage habits before sleep. Posture analysis and the Star Excursion Balance Test will be used to assess posture alignment and dynamic balance performance.

Study Type

Observational

Enrollment (Estimated)

34

Contacts and Locations

This section provides the contact details for those conducting the study, and information on where this study is being conducted.

Study Contact

Study Contact Backup

Study Locations

    • Üsküdar
      • Istanbul, Üsküdar, Turkey (Türkiye), 34668
        • Saglik Bilimleri Universitesi
        • Contact:

Participation Criteria

Researchers look for people who fit a certain description, called eligibility criteria. Some examples of these criteria are a person's general health condition or prior treatments.

Eligibility Criteria

Ages Eligible for Study

  • Adult

Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Yes

Sampling Method

Non-Probability Sample

Study Population

34 healthy volunteers between the ages of 18-35 were included in the study.

Description

Inclusion Criteria:

  • Healthy adults
  • Aged 18 to 35 years
  • Willing to participate voluntarily in the study

Exclusion Criteria:

  • History of orthopedic injury or surgery affecting balance
  • Use of medications that may affect attention or balance
  • Refusal to provide informed consent

Study Plan

This section provides details of the study plan, including how the study is designed and what the study is measuring.

How is the study designed?

Design Details

Cohorts and Interventions

Group / Cohort
Intervention / Treatment
Healthy young individuals with pre-sleep screen exposure
34 healthy volunteers between the ages of 18-35 were included in the study. Participants are assessed for screen exposure before sleep, posture disorders, and dynamic balance.
Pre-sleep screen exposure is evaluated using smartphone-based self-reported queries on duration and usage characteristics

What is the study measuring?

Primary Outcome Measures

Outcome Measure
Measure Description
Time Frame
Posture Analysis
Time Frame: Single assessment at baseline
Evaluation of body alignment including head position, shoulder alignment, spinal curvature, pelvic position, knee alignment, and foot posture from anterior, posterior, and lateral views.
Single assessment at baseline

Secondary Outcome Measures

Outcome Measure
Measure Description
Time Frame
Star Excursion Balance Test
Time Frame: Single assessment at baseline
Dynamic balance performance will be assessed by measuring the maximum reach distance in eight directions while maintaining single-leg stance.
Single assessment at baseline
Duration of pre-sleep screen exposure
Time Frame: Single assessment at baseline
The duration of screen exposure within 1 hour before bedtime will be assessed using self-report and recorded in minutes. Higher values indicate longer screen exposure before sleep.
Single assessment at baseline

Collaborators and Investigators

This is where you will find people and organizations involved with this study.

Study record dates

These dates track the progress of study record and summary results submissions to ClinicalTrials.gov. Study records and reported results are reviewed by the National Library of Medicine (NLM) to make sure they meet specific quality control standards before being posted on the public website.

Study Major Dates

Study Start (Estimated)

May 1, 2026

Primary Completion (Estimated)

May 1, 2027

Study Completion (Estimated)

May 1, 2027

Study Registration Dates

First Submitted

April 13, 2026

First Submitted That Met QC Criteria

April 13, 2026

First Posted (Actual)

April 21, 2026

Study Record Updates

Last Update Posted (Actual)

April 27, 2026

Last Update Submitted That Met QC Criteria

April 22, 2026

Last Verified

April 1, 2026

More Information

Terms related to this study

Other Study ID Numbers

  • Sleep&ScreenTime1

Plan for Individual participant data (IPD)

Plan to Share Individual Participant Data (IPD)?

UNDECIDED

Drug and device information, study documents

Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated drug product

No

Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated device product

No

This information was retrieved directly from the website clinicaltrials.gov without any changes. If you have any requests to change, remove or update your study details, please contact register@clinicaltrials.gov. As soon as a change is implemented on clinicaltrials.gov, this will be updated automatically on our website as well.

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