The Effects of Visual Factors and Head Orientation on Postural Steadiness in Women 55 to 70 Years of Age
Document Type
Article
Language
eng
Format of Original
8 p.
Publication Date
9-1992
Publisher
Oxford University Press
Source Publication
The Journal of Gerontology
Source ISSN
0022-1422
Abstract
This study was designed to establish reference data for the effects of head position and visual conditions on the standing posture of healthy women ages 55 to 70. Center of pressure (CoP) data were analyzed using ANOVA models. Total CoP displacement was 45% greater (significant, p < .05) when the subjects stood with their heads back and their eyes closed, as compared to standing looking straight ahead. Visual surrounds consisting of vertical visual cues resulted in less postural sway (PS) than surrounds made of horizontal visual cues (significant, p < .05 for anteroposterior CoP range). Experimentally reduced visual acuity resulted in greater PS, while changes in ambient lighting and spatial frequency of visual cues affected PS minimally. These results suggest that a reduction in the height of shelving, and the provision of high-contrast visual cues and vertical geometric patterns are potential intervention strategies to optimize vestibular sensory input and visual orientational cues for the maintenance of stability during stance.
Recommended Citation
Simoneau, Guy G.; Leibowitz, Herschel W.; Ulbrecht, Jan S.; Tyrrell, Richard A.; and Cavanagh, Peter R., "The Effects of Visual Factors and Head Orientation on Postural Steadiness in Women 55 to 70 Years of Age" (1992). Physical Therapy Faculty Research and Publications. 45.
https://epublications.marquette.edu/phys_therapy_fac/45
Comments
The Journal of Gerontology, Vol. 47, No. 5 (September 1992): M151-M158. DOI: 10.1093/geronj/47.5.M151.
Guy G. Simoneau was affiliated with Pennsylvania State University at the time of publication.