Cross-cultural effect of texting on postural stability

N.R. Nurwulan, B.C. Jiang

Abstract: The increased rate of Chinese mobile phone ownership is mind-blowing. The mobile phone use while doing a postural task, such as standing or walking, may seriously affect the safety of the user. This study aimed to quantify the distracting effect of texting in Chinese characters compared to English words. Chinese-speaking and English-speaking participants were asked to perform texting while standing. Chinese-speaking participants texted in Chinese characters, while the English-speaking participants texted in English words. The performance of the postural task was observed as the consequences of texting. Significant differences between Chinese characters and English words’ effects on postural tasks were found. Chinese-speaking participants had bigger sway area (p = 0.039) and slower response times (p = 0.041) while performing postural task and texting. This study measured the effect of the cognitive load of texting in Chinese characters on postural stability. Chinese-speaking participants had poorer balance and more cognitive load.

Series on Biomechanics, Vol.34, No.3 (2020), 59 - 66

Keywords: balance; Chinese characters; distraction; Mobile phone; postural stability

Date published: 2020-10-15