The effects of mobile phone use on walking: a dual task study

Abstract

Objectives

The aim of this study was to examine the effects of walking at different speeds while using a mobile phone on spatiotemporal stride parameters among young adults. Ten participants (7 male, 3 female; age = 24.7 ± 4.4 years, mean ± 1SD) completed 12 walking trials. Trials consisted of tasks performed at both normal and fast walking speeds—walking only, walking while texting, and walking while talking on a mobile phone. Gait velocity, stride length, cadence, and double support time were computed using data from accelerometers on either shoe.

Results

The effects of distracted walking were not significantly larger when performed at a self-selected fast walking speed compared with a normal walking speed. However, walking while texting produced significant decreases in gait velocity, stride length, and cadence, with a significant increase in double support time at both walking speeds. Moreover texting increased the size of the relative variability of walking, observed through a significant increase in the coefficient of variation of cadence, stride length, and double support time. The observed changes may be suggestive of compromised balance when walking while texting regardless of walking speed. This may place the individual at a greater risk of, slips, trips and falls.