The effect of text messaging on reactive balance and the temporal and spatial characteristics of gait

• Subjects texted while standing, walking and during perturbed stance.
• No difference was seen in texting ability between any conditions.
• Texting subjects walked slower, but their base of support remained unchanged.
• Greater trunk movement was seen while texting during perturbed stance.
• During slow platform tilt subjects appeared to tilt with the platform while texting.

The aim of this study was to determine the effects text messaging has on gait characteristics and reactive balance. Thirty-two subjects were recruited. Data was collected on texting ability in standing, while walking and while in perturbed stance. Data on gait parameters using the GAITRiteTM were collected while walking normally and while walking and texting. Data on reactive balance in perturbed stance (DMA score) using the PROPRIO 5000™ was collected while standing and while standing and texting. Repeated measures statistics were applied. No practical difference in texting ability was found between the three conditions of standing, walking and perturbed stance. A significant difference was found between mean gait characteristics of velocity, cadence, double limb support and mean step length during normal walking and walking while texting (p < .05). No statistical significance was shown between mean heel to heel support. A significant difference was found between reactive balance ability (mean DMA score) in perturbed stance and perturbed stance while texting (p < .05). The data imply that gait and balance are negatively impacted while texting and that subjects will maintain their baseline texting speed and accuracy at the expense of gait speed and impaired balance.