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Updated: Aug 7, 2025
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Measuring the Switch Cost of Smartphone Use While Walking
Published on: April 30, 2020
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Texting on a Smartphone While Walking Affects Gait Parameters.
Julia Sajewicz1, Alicja Dziuba-Słonina1
1Department of Physiotherapy in Neurology and Pediatrics, University School of Physical Education Named after the Polish Olympians in Wroclaw, 51-612 Wroclaw, Poland.
Summary
Texting while walking significantly slows gait speed and alters stride parameters, increasing accident risks. Avoid cell phone use when walking to prevent pedestrian injuries and falls.
Area of Science:
- Biomechanics
- Human-Computer Interaction
- Traffic Safety
Background:
- Cell phone use while walking presents a growing traffic hazard.
- Pedestrian injuries associated with mobile phone use are increasing.
- Texting while walking is a prevalent issue across various age groups.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of cell phone use on gait parameters during walking.
- To determine if texting while walking affects walking velocity, cadence, stride width, and stride length in young adults.
Main Methods:
- Forty-two young adults (20 males, 22 females) participated.
- Subjects walked on a dynamometer platform at comfortable and fast velocities.
- Gait parameters were measured while subjects were texting and not texting.
Main Results:
- Texting while walking significantly reduced walking velocity compared to normal walking.
- Cadence, stride width, and stride length were significantly affected by texting.
- Statistically significant changes were observed in both right and left single steps.
Conclusions:
- Altered gait parameters while texting may increase the risk of pedestrian accidents and trips.
- Cell phone use is an activity that should be avoided while walking.
- Findings highlight the importance of focused attention when navigating pedestrian environments.
