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New Study Looks At The Dangers Of Walking While Texting

DETROIT (WWJ) - The old joke used to ask if you could walk and chew gum at the same time ... but today social media has added another dynamic -- which examines the dangers of walking and texting.

There hasn't been a lot of research looking at the gait of a person who is texting while walking but that is changing.

Using a 3-D motion analysis system researchers studied thirty 18 to 50 year olds as they maneuvered through an obstacle course while texting during a study at Texas A & M University reports WWJ's Health Reporter Dr. Deanna Lites.

They found people walk slower, tend to swerve, yet are more cautious.

It may be because this age group is familiar with walking and using mobile phones.

Researchers say more studies are need to examine older people, who may be at a greater risk of tripping while walking and texting.
Dr. Deanna Lites WWJ newsradio 950.

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