Anger affects behavioral and physiological correlates of dual-task walking and texting in young adults

Objective

This study investigates how emotional content in text messages affects gait and physiological measures during dual-task texting and walking.

Methods

Thirty-four young adults participated in a study involving dual-task walking using a texting-based autobiographical memories paradigm. Participants texted about autobiographical emotional experiences (neutral, happy, sad, angry, fearful) while walking for 2-minute periods. They also walked without texting. Walking parameters and typing speed were recorded, as well as measures of heart rate variability (HRV) to assess autonomic nervous system responses.

Results

Texting while walking decreased gait speed and increased stride time but did not affect stride length or gait variability. HRV was reduced during dual-task walking. Emotional content influenced gait speed, with higher speeds during angry compared to sad texting. HRV analysis revealed increased sympathetic activation during angry walking compared to neutral walking. Typing speed was unaffected by emotional content.

Conclusion

Use of a texting-based autobiographical memories paradigm in young adults induces specific behavioral and physiological responses during dual-task walking. The effects of anger (faster gait speed, increased sympathetic activity) suggest partial mitigation of dual-task costs. These findings enhance understanding of distracted walking and its interaction with emotional states, with implications for safety-promoting interventions in pedestrians.