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The Effect of Age on Gait Speed When Texting

Author

Listed:
  • Linson J. Alapatt

    (Department of Health, Queensland Government, Brisbane, QLD 4000, Australia)

  • Nancye M. Peel

    (Centre for Health Services Research, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4102, Australia)

  • Natasha Reid

    (School of Public Health, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4006, Australia)

  • Leonard C. Gray

    (Centre for Health Services Research, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4102, Australia)

  • Ruth E. Hubbard

    (Centre for Health Services Research, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4102, Australia)

Abstract

Texting while walking exerts a high cognitive load, and may be a sensitive test of the integrity of the cognitive–motor interface. We aimed to investigate the association between chronological age and gait speed while texting. A convenience sample of 308 community-dwellers was recruited: n ≥ 50 in each age group (20–29, 30–39, 40–49, 50–59) and n = 100 aged ≥60 years. Gait speed was measured over 10 metres under two experimental conditions: 1) walking at usual pace; 2) walking at usual pace while texting the message “Good morning Harry” on their smartphone. Both median gait speed with and without texting decreased with increasing age ( p < 0.001). The differences between single- and dual-task gait speed were substantial for each age group and increased after the age of 50 years ( p < 0.001). Median gait speeds while texting in people aged 50–59 (1.07 m/s) and ≥60 years (1.00 m/s) were below the recommended minimum for safely crossing roads (1.20 m/s). Texting while walking currently exposes people aged 50 and over to considerable environmental hazards. The significant slowing of gait speed while texting from middle age may be a marker of neurodegeneration, a cohort effect, or an appropriate compensatory response to reduce the risk of injury.

Suggested Citation

  • Linson J. Alapatt & Nancye M. Peel & Natasha Reid & Leonard C. Gray & Ruth E. Hubbard, 2020. "The Effect of Age on Gait Speed When Texting," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(2), pages 1-7, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:17:y:2020:i:2:p:599-:d:309806
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