Smartphone Turning Raises Fall Risk in People with MS

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Key Takeaway

Using a smartphone while turning during walking makes people turn more like a single stiff block, which can raise the risk of falls for people with MS and other neurologic conditions.

What They Found

The study tested people of different ages and with conditions like Parkinson disease, stroke, lower-back pain, and multiple sclerosis while they walked and turned with or without using a smartphone. When people used a smartphone, their head, chest, and hips moved together more, instead of the normal smooth, top-to-bottom sequence—this is called “en bloc” turning and is like turning a single plank instead of a chain of linked parts. Everyone showed more en bloc turning with a phone, but people with Parkinson disease slowed their turns the most when using a phone. People recovering from recent stroke already turned more en bloc even without a phone, which may be a way their body protects itself. The changes seen with phone use are linked to patterns that increase fall risk, which matters for daily safety like getting up from the bus or turning in a narrow hallway.

Who Should Care and Why

People with MS and their caregivers should care because MS can affect balance and coordination, so the extra stiff turning caused by phone use could make falls more likely. Think of walking and turning like a small team of movers handing a couch—when each person (head, chest, hips) coordinates, the couch turns smoothly; using a phone makes everyone act like one frozen person, which is risky. Caregivers and family can use this idea to encourage safer phone habits, like stopping to text while standing still or sitting to look at the screen. Physical therapists and doctors can use this information to teach safer turning strategies and to watch for early signs of balance changes. This finding is especially helpful when planning home safety, daily routines, and when deciding whether to add extra checks like handrails or supervision during busy tasks.

Important Considerations

The study observed people in a test setting walking a short path, which may not exactly match every real-life situation like crowded streets or stairs. The research included different neurologic conditions but was not focused only on MS, so while the results apply, the exact size of the effect for each person with MS can vary. This study shows a link between phone use and riskier turning patterns, but it does not prove that phone use will always cause a fall for any single person.

AI-generated summary — for informational purposes only, not medical advice

Categories:

Living with MS Specific Symptoms MS Diagnostics

Article Topics:

ParkinsonParkinson diseasebalancebiomechanicsdual taskdual task costfallgaitkinesiologylow back painmovementmultiple sclerosisneurologicalneurologysmartphonestroketurningturning coordinationwalk

Whether you’ve recently been diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) or are seeking to broaden your understanding of this complex, neurodegenerative disease, navigating the latest research can feel overwhelming. Studies published in respected medical journals like Journal of medical Internet research often range from early-stage, exploratory work to advanced clinical trials. These evidence-based findings help shape new disease-modifying therapies, guide symptom management techniques, and deepen our knowledge of MS progression.

However, not all research is created equal. Some clinical research studies may have smaller sample sizes, evolving methodologies, or limitations that warrant careful interpretation. For a more comprehensive, accurate understanding, we recommend reviewing the original source material—accessible via the More Details section above—and consulting with healthcare professionals who specialize in MS care.

By presenting a wide range of MS-focused studies—spanning cutting-edge treatments, emerging therapies, and established best practices—we aim to empower patients, caregivers, and clinicians to stay informed and make well-informed decisions when managing Multiple Sclerosis.

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