Influence of texting while walking on lower extremity gait function in young adults
Katelyn E Conroy1, Heather R Vanderhoof1, William J Travis1
1Interdisciplinary Health Sciences Doctoral Program, College of Health Sciences, The University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, TX, USA.
Human Movement Science
|August 30, 2024
Summary
Texting while walking (TWW) impacts gait symmetry, particularly at the hip, but does not significantly alter overall lower extremity function in young adults. The effects are minimal, affecting less than 25% of the gait cycle.
Area of Science:
- Biomechanics
- Human movement analysis
- Gait dynamics
Background:
- Texting while walking (TWW) is a common dual-task activity among young adults.
- Previous research indicates TWW affects general gait parameters like speed and stride length.
- The specific impact of TWW on lower extremity gait function remains under-investigated.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify the influence of TWW on lower extremity gait function.
- To examine gait symmetry during TWW using time series analysis.
- To identify specific joint (hip, knee, ankle) asymmetries during TWW.
Main Methods:
- Utilized 3D segment tracking with lower extremity and trunk markers.
- Analyzed gait symmetry during preferred speed walking (baseline) and TWW.
- Employed Model Statistic to assess angular joint position differences.
Main Results:
- Significant gait asymmetries were observed across hip, knee, and ankle joints during TWW.
- The hip joint exhibited the most asymmetries (25/101 points).
- Knee (16/101) and ankle (11/101) joints also showed asymmetries, but less frequently.
Conclusions:
- Gait symmetry differs between normal walking and TWW.
- Despite observed asymmetries, less than 25% of the gait cycle was affected.
- Lower extremity gait function in young adults is not strongly influenced by TWW.
