Comparison of effect of concurrent phone texting on gait speed in young and middle aged healthy subjects

Background: Around the world today, adoption of mobile media phones and its advancement have been growing at dizzying pace in all age groups. People use phone while walking on/crossing roads, climbing stairs, driving cars, etc. Using a smartphone while walking has shown decrease in walking speed and affect dynamic balance by reducing cognitive ability. The objective of study is to see and compare effect of concurrent phone texting while obstacle walking on walking time in young and middle-aged healthy subjects.Methods: An observational study with 100 healthy individuals (50 young and 50 middle-aged) were taken and had to walk on a 15 m walkway with obstacle (approximately 10% of subject’s height) at 8m distance from start without and with texting. The text messages used were all short objective questions and were sent to them approximately 2 steps prior to reaching the obstacle. Their walking time was analyzed.Results: Wilcoxon test used to analyze difference within group. In young people without phone texting it was11.41±1.24 seconds and with texting was14.79±2.67seconds, (z=-6.101, p<0.001) and in middle aged was14.93±1.20 seconds and 20.52±1.87 seconds respectively (z=-6.154, p<0.001). Mann Whitney test used to analyze difference between groups. For without texting in young and middle aged walking time (U=48.0, p<0.001), with texting young and middle aged walking time (U=122.00, p<0.001) and comparing the difference in walking time between young and middle aged with and without phone texting (U=372.5, p<0.001).Conclusions: Phone texting increases walking time in young and middle aged with difference in walking time more in middle aged adults.

Effects of Asymmetrical Weight Bearing during Straight and Circular Walking in Hemiplegic Patients

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to compare and analyze the difference of weight bearing between affected and intact feet during straight or circular walking in hemiplegic patients. METHOD: 16 hemiplegic patients who could walk without assistive devices were included in this study. We used insole foot-pressure system to measure weight bearing ratio of both feet during walking. We assessed walking speed and pressure ratio during straight or circular walking at their comfortable gait speed. RESULT: Pressure ratio of affected foot showed negative correlation with walking time irrespective of walking direction. Pressure ratio of affected foot and walking time during circular walking to the affected side was significantly higher and slower respectively than that to the intact side. CONCLUSION: Asymmetrical weight bearing of both feet during walking is highly correlated with walking ability in hemiplegic patients and pressure ratio of affected foot may be simple and useful determinant of walking ability.

Isokinetic Evaluation of the Knee in Patients with Osteoarthritis of Knees and Its Relationship with Walking Time

Muscle functions are limited in patients with osteoarthritis of knees. In patients with osteoarthritis, isokinetic testing of knee musculature reveals decreased peak torque and increased walking time(50-ft). The purpose of this study was to demonstrate deficiency in muscular performance of knee, and the relationship between walking time and isokinetic parameters of muscular strength, endurance and pain of knee in patients with osteoarthritis of knees. The subjects were divided into a control group and the study group. The control group consisted of 40 persons without a knee pain, and the study group consisted of 30 patients with osteoarthritis of knees. The peak torque of patients in the study group was decreased by 16-21%, compared to that the control group. There was a negative relationship between the walking time and the endurance of knee extensors(r=?0.7195). These findings suggest that exercises to increase the strength and endurance of extensors and flexors of knees should be emphasized in the rehabilitation program for the osteoarthritis of knees.