Uso do smartphone em tarefas simultâneas aumenta a oscilação corporal e reduz a velocidade da marcha impactando o equilíbrio corporal

Abstract

Introduction: Cell phones are increasingly associated to peoples’ routines. With the recent health crisis arising from the SARS-COV-2 virus, academic and professional activities have been accessible on smartphone devices, which have made this technology even more relevant. Objective: To assess the risks that the use of the cell phones causes on the balance when carried out simultaneously with a second task. Methods: Forty-five participants underwent activities of typing and cell phone conversation while standing still (static balance) or in locomotion (dynamic balance). Statistical analyzes were used to characterize the balance of participants in activities without the use of cell phone and during typing and conversation. Results: Results showed a worse response of balance during typing and talking on the phone. The typing task caused more imbalance during locomotion. The speaking task, differently, caused more imbalance in the static activity. Conclusion: The results allow the conclusion that typing and speaking on the cell phone become causes body imbalance when associated with another motor activity. The recognition of situations in which the smartphone causes body instability is important to guarantee the benefits of this technology without generating risks to the user.