Study Finds People Alter Stride When They Text And Walk

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) – Turns out, people who walk and text at the same time may have a smaller risk of running into something than previously thought.

A new study shows people who walk and text are changing their walking pattern so their stride copes with the reduced focus and vision.

Researchers asked 30 people, ages 18 to 50, to walk around an obstacle course while trying to text.

The subjects reduced step frequency, shortened step length and increased the amount of time both feet touch the ground as they tried to keep from walking into people or objects.

A separate study shows walking and texting forces people to hunch leading to poor posture and balance.

Researchers add distracted walking can still be dangerous.