Texting and Walking: Strategies for Postural Control and Implications for Safety

Abstract

There are concerns about the safety of texting while walking. Although evidence of negative effects of mobile phone use on gait is scarce, cognitive distraction, altered mechanical demands, and the reduced visual field associated with texting are likely to have an impact. In 26 healthy individuals we examined the effect of mobile phone use on gait. Individuals walked at a comfortable pace in a straight line over a distance of ∼8.5 m while; 1) walking without the use of a phone, 2) reading text on a mobile phone, or 3) typing text on a mobile phone. Gait performance was evaluated using a three-dimensional movement analysis system. In comparison with normal waking, when participants read or wrote text messages they walked with: greater absolute lateral foot position from one stride to the next; slower speed; greater rotation range of motion (ROM) of the head with respect to global space; the head held in a flexed position; more in-phase motion of the thorax and head in all planes, less motion between thorax and head (neck ROM); and more tightly organized coordination in lateral flexion and rotation directions. While writing text, participants walked slower, deviated more from a straight line and used less neck ROM than reading text. Although the arms and head moved with the thorax to reduce relative motion of the phone and facilitate reading and texting, movement of the head in global space increased and this could negatively impact the balance system. Texting, and to a lesser extent reading, modify gait performance. Texting or reading on a mobile phone may pose an additional risk to safety for pedestrians navigating obstacles or crossing the road.

Effects of mobile texting and gaming on gait with obstructions under different illumination levels

“…Seventy-seven percent of the world's population have mobile phones, and they have been recognized as a cost-effective communication tool [1]. Although mobile phones provide great convenience, they cause risks in certain situations [2].…”

Influence of mobile phone texting on gait parameters during ramp ascent and descent

“…When fixing gaze on a mobile phone, visual information regarding the walking environment is reduced [33]. Schabrun et al [2] reported that, to minimize neck movement during mobile phone use while walking, neck range of motion and gait speed reduced. Decreased gait speed could be caused by a decreased arm swing [34].…”

“…Seventy-seven percent of the world's population use personal mobile phones as a communication tool and texting and transmission of data using mobile phones has been sharply increasing [1,2]. Increased mobile phone use has initiated many safety-related issues [3].…”

“…Previous studies have reported that mobile phone use during walking changes gait pattern and increases risks while sending a text message or passing obstacles while sending email [2,10]. However, these previous studies were conducted on a flat-surfaced walkway of an indoor laboratory.…”

Ways of Walking: Understanding Walking's Implications for the Design of Handheld Technology Via a Humanistic Ethnographic Approach

“…However, in the study, complex interference effects, such as breathing in the spontaneous speech condition, also helped people synchronize their pace. Schabrun, van den Hoorn, Moorcroft, Greenland, and Hodges (2014) found that using a smartphone display, for example, typing or reading a text message while being in motion, affects the user's gait and balance drastically. Their participants' gait changed when using their mobile phone, with sending a text having a bigger impact than simply reading one.…”