Head flexion angle when web-browsing and texting using a smartphone while walking.

Area of Science:

• Biomechanics
• Human-Computer Interaction
• Ergonomics

Background:

• Smartphone use is prevalent globally.
• Texting and web browsing are common smartphone activities.
• Walking while using a smartphone may alter posture and increase physical load.

Purpose of the Study:

• To quantify head flexion angles during smartphone use while walking.
• To compare head flexion during texting versus web browsing.
• To assess the biomechanical load on the neck musculature.

Main Methods:

• Twenty-eight young adults participated.
• Head flexion in the sagittal plane was measured.
• Participants performed three tasks: upright walking, one-handed web browsing while walking, and two-handed texting while walking on a 60-m walkway.

Main Results:

• Median head flexion was -1.2° for upright walking.
• Median head flexion was 31.1° for one-handed web browsing.
• Median head flexion was 38.5° for two-handed texting, significantly greater than the other tasks (p < 0.05).

Conclusions:

• Smartphone use while walking increases neck flexion load compared to upright walking.
• Two-handed texting while walking imposes a greater neck load than one-handed web browsing.
• Users should be aware of the potential risks associated with smartphone use while walking.