The Effect of Age on Gait Speed When Texting

Linson J. Alapatt, Nancye M. Peel, Natasha Reid, Leonard C. Gray and Ruth E. Hubbard
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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

IJERPH, 2020, vol. 17, issue 2, 1-7

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.

Keywords: ageing; gait speed; physical health; dual task test; texting (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2020
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