The reliability of local dynamic stability in walking while texting and performing an arithmetical problem

Area of Science:

• Biomechanics
• Neuroscience
• Human Movement Science

Background:

• Local dynamic stability is crucial for quantifying motor control during walking.
• Dual-task paradigms, like texting while walking, simulate real-life scenarios and assess gait control shifts.
• Evaluating the test-retest reliability of motor-cognitive dual-task performance is essential for monitoring intervention effects.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the test-retest reliability of local dynamic gait stability during a cell phone texting dual-task.
• To determine if kinematic data from walking while texting can serve as a reliable outcome measure in clinical trials.

Main Methods:

• Eleven young individuals participated in the study.
• Gait data was collected twice, seven days apart, using trunk-mounted inertial sensors.
• Three conditions were tested: normal walking, walking while texting, and walking while reciting serials of 7.
• Short-term finite maximum Lyapunov Exponents quantified local dynamic stability.
• Intra-class correlation coefficients and Bland and Altman plots assessed test-retest reliability.

Main Results:

• Good to excellent reliability was observed for normal walking and walking while texting.
• Reliability values were consistently lower when reciting serials of 7.
• Local dynamic stability measures during texting while walking demonstrated high consistency between test and retest.

Conclusions:

• Local dynamic stability derived from kinematic data during walking while cell phone texting is reliably measured.
• This measure is suitable for use as an outcome in clinical trials employing repeated measures designs.
• The findings support the use of texting while walking as a reliable dual-task for assessing gait stability.