Usar o celular em dupla-tarefa afeta o equilíbrio e a mobilidade de pessoas com doença de Parkinson

Abstract

Background: Cell phones are part of peoples’ lives. The literature indicates risks in both younger and older adults when cell phones are used during a secondary motor task. Studies addressing this topic in people with Parkinson disease are still scarce. Objective: To investigate the impact of daily dual tasks with cell phone on balance and mobility in people with Parkinson disease, compared to healthy control peers. Methods: Participants with Parkinson disease and controls underwent three motor tasks: (1) Standing and walking without using a cell phone; (2) Standing and walking while talking on the phone; and (3) Standing and walking while texting messages on the phone. Assessments involved balance and mobility tests. Statistical analysis was performed with multivariate analysis of variance, comparing main effect for group (Parkinson disease × control), task (using × not using cell phone) and interaction (group × task). Significance was set at 5%. Effect sizes are reported (ɳ2ρ). Results: Participants with Parkinson disease showed worse balance (p=.001, ɳ2ρ=.471) and mobility (p=.001, ɳ2ρ=.472) than control peers. The use of cell phone while performing a secondary motor task affected both groups (p=.005, ɳ2ρ=.673 for balance and p=.001, ɳ2ρ=.549 for mobility). The dual task impact, however, was higher in the Parkinson disease group (p=.009, ɳ2ρ=.407 for mobility). Conclusion: Daily dual tasks with cell phones increase imbalance and mobility risks in Parkinson disease. Subjects should be aware of the risks of performing a secondary motor task while using their cell phones.