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Posture and Texting: Effect on Balance in Young Adults
Nurul Retno Nurwulan1, Bernard C Jiang1, Hardianto Iridiastadi2
1Department of Industrial Management, School of Management, National Taiwan University and Science and Technology, Taipei, Taiwan, Republic of China.
Plos One
|August 1, 2015
Summary
Texting while walking significantly impairs postural stability in young adults. This dual-task activity affects balance control, highlighting potential risks during everyday mobile phone use.
Area of Science:
- Biomechanics
- Human Factors Engineering
- Neuroscience
Background:
- Dual-tasking, such as using mobile phones while walking, is prevalent.
- Assessing the impact of texting on postural control is crucial for understanding associated risks.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of texting on the postural stability of young adults.
- To quantify the impact of texting on both static and dynamic balance.
Main Methods:
- Twenty college students performed static and dynamic postural stability tests.
- Center of Pressure (COP) analysis and Multivariate Multiscale Entropy (MMSE) assessed static stability.
- The Star Excursion Balance Test (SEBT) evaluated dynamic stability.
Main Results:
- Texting significantly impaired overall postural stability.
- The complexity index of postural sway showed minimal change across conditions.
- Participants perceived texting during balance tasks as more difficult.
Conclusions:
- Texting negatively affects postural control in young adults.
- While overall stability decreases, the complexity of postural control may not significantly alter.
- The cognitive load of texting impacts physical balance, suggesting caution during dual-tasking activities.
