Cell phone use interferes with walking accuracy

Everyone knows the danger of texting or talking on a cell phone while driving, but a new study has found that using a cell phone while walking may hold hidden dangers as well. A study done at Stony Brook University shows that cell phone usage in combination with walking interferes with memory recall.

In order to establish a baseline control, 33 people in their 20s were tested on their walking abilities when not using a cell phone. They were first shown a target on the floor eight meters away. Then the participants were blindfolded and asked to walk casually to where they thought the target was. The amount of time it took to reach the target and where the participant landed were recorded.

One week later, participants returned and did this exact same task, but with two additional experimental conditions. One third of the returning participants walked while texting. Another third did the same task while talking on a cell phone. The final third of the participants did the task without any changes.

Results surprised the researchers. They found that both talking and texting on cell phones were disruptive. Those who used a cell phone in either scenario walked slower and deviated from the intended target than the control group.

Participants who talked on cell phones had a 16 percent reduction in speed and a lateral deviation of 13 percent, compared to those who texted, with a 33 and 61 percent deviation, respectively.

Dr. Lamberg of Stony Brook University explains that these results can be attributed to the fact that certain areas in the brain require conscious engagement while walking, despite the fact that it is a seemingly intuitive ability.

When one uses a cell phone while walking, areas of the brain are affected, and working memory is subsequently lessened.

However, more experimental studies with larger and more varied subjects are required to render anything conclusive.

Nonetheless, these results may be useful in helping physical therapy patients regain mobility.

In addition, this experiment can help scientists further understand why walking while using a cell phone is difficult.

Finally, these results could help with creating new and safer technology, such as voice-activated text devices, so that people can be safer not only while driving, but also when walking.

For more information on the study, it was published in the online edition of Gait and Posture.