FURI | Spring 2022

Characterizing Postural Stability During Smartphone Use on Dynamically Unstable Environments

Past studies have shown negative effects of smartphone usage on standing postural balance, but mostly focused on traditional tasks like calling or texting. As part of modern life, smartphones are now also utilized for taking selfie photos or posting statuses on social media. However, little is known about how this modern usage impacts balance. Moreover, interaction effects between the usage and various environments remain unknown. This project was designed to fill in those research gaps. The outcomes of this project contribute to the development of balance strategies or assistive technologies for fall prevention.