Effect of mobile phone use on gait speed and stride length on an uneven surface in young healthy individuals: a comparative study Doi: https://doi.org/10.55522/jhpo.V3I5.0102

Abstract

Smartphone use while walking is common among young adults and may adversely affect gait, especially on uneven terrain. To compare gait speed and stride length with and without mobile phone use on an uneven surface in young healthy individuals. In this observational cross-sectional comparative study, 69 healthy young adults (18-23 years) walked a 20-metre uneven-surface path with and without using a mobile phone. Gait was video-recorded and analysed using Kinovea software; gait speed and stride length were compared using the paired t-test. Both gait speed and stride length were significantly reduced during mobile phone use compared to normal walking (p<0.0001 for both).  Young adults who use mobile phones considerably change their gait speed and step length on uneven ground, suggesting a higher risk of falls and pedestrian injuries when walking while distracted.