Research Design Connection: Balance and Cell Phones

by Sally Augustin, Ph.D. | March 6th, 2017

  Researchers have found that people’s sense of balance is impaired when they talk on cell phones – another reason to make sure circulation spaces, plazas and the like, are free of trip hazards, etc. A study-related press release reports that, “Cell phone texting and talking can have a negative effect on one’s balance during everyday activities…cell phone texting during exercise significantly impacts postural stability – by 45% – when compared to no cell phone use. The investigation also revealed that talking on a cell phone while exercising reduces postural stability by 19%. Listening to music on a cell phone, on the other hand, has no notable impact on postural stability during exercise, the study showed.” “Your Cell Phone Could Curb the Intensity of Your Workout.” 2017. Press release, Hiram College, http://www.hiram.edu/hiram-news/your-cell-phone-could-curb-the-intensity-of-your-workout/. Sally Augustin, PhD, a cognitive scientist, is the editor of Research Design Connections (www.researchdesignconnections.com), a monthly subscription newsletter …