title: The effect of text messaging on reactive balance and the temporal and spatial characteristics of gait.
abstract: The aim of this study was to determine the effects text messaging has on gait characteristics and reactive balance. Thirty-two subjects were recruited. Data was collected on texting ability in standing, while walking and while in perturbed stance. Data on gait parameters using the GAITRiteTM were collected while walking normally and while walking and texting. Data on reactive balance in perturbed stance (DMA score) using the PROPRIO 5000™ was collected while standing and while standing and texting. Repeated measures statistics were applied. No practical difference in texting ability was found between the three conditions of standing, walking and perturbed stance. A significant difference was found between mean gait characteristics of velocity, cadence, double limb support and mean step length during normal walking and walking while texting (p<.05). No statistical significance was shown between mean heel to heel support. A significant difference was found between reactive balance ability (mean DMA score) in perturbed stance and perturbed stance while texting (p<.05). The data imply that gait and balance are negatively impacted while texting and that subjects will maintain their baseline texting speed and accuracy at the expense of gait speed and impaired balance.
authors.affiliation: Department of Physical Therapy and Health Science, Bradley University, 1501 W. Bradley Ave., Peoria, IL 61625, United States. Electronic address: ajs@bradley.edu.
authors.forename: Andrew J
authors.initials: AJ
authors.lastname: Strubhar
authors.affiliation: Department of Physical Therapy and Health Science, Bradley University, 1501 W. Bradley Ave., Peoria, IL 61625, United States.
authors.forename: Melissa L
authors.initials: ML
authors.lastname: Peterson
authors.affiliation: Department of Physical Therapy and Health Science, Bradley University, 1501 W. Bradley Ave., Peoria, IL 61625, United States.
authors.forename: Jessica
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Aschwege
authors.affiliation: Department of Physical Therapy and Health Science, Bradley University, 1501 W. Bradley Ave., Peoria, IL 61625, United States.
authors.forename: Joey
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Ganske
authors.affiliation: Department of Physical Therapy and Health Science, Bradley University, 1501 W. Bradley Ave., Peoria, IL 61625, United States.
authors.forename: Jessica
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Kelley
authors.affiliation: Department of Physical Therapy and Health Science, Bradley University, 1501 W. Bradley Ave., Peoria, IL 61625, United States.
authors.forename: Hope
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Schulte
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D005684:Gait / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D004856:Postural Balance / Q000502:physiology*; D062211:Spatio-Temporal Analysis; D060145:Text Messaging; D013997:Time Factors; D016138:Walking / Q000502:physiology*; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: Dual-task; Gait; Mobile devices; Reactive balance; Texting