The impact of vision loss on postural stability and balance strategies in individuals with profound vision loss
Ray, C.T.; Horvat, M.; Croce, R.; Mason, R.Christopher.; Wolf, S.L.
Gait and Posture 28(1): 58-61
2008
ISSN/ISBN: 0966-6362 PMID: 18023185 DOI: 10.1016/j.gaitpost.2007.09.010
Accession: 056371978
Individuals with vision loss are at an increased risk of falls. Understanding what factors contribute to postural instability within this population is a necessary step towards the development of physiotherapeutic programs targeted at reduction of falls within this population. Forty-six age-matched participants were evaluated with the sensory organization test (SOT) on a NeuroCom Equitest. The conditions provided accurate and inaccurate sensory information to test the participants' ability to utilize the correct information to maintain postural stability. A one-way analysis of variance was performed on composite balance scores between groups. Based on the data analysis, significant differences were apparent in equilibrium composite scores (P<.05) and strategy utilized to maintain postural stability between the visually impaired and sighted sample. Results indicate that restricted vision has a negative impact on overall postural stability and visually impaired individuals utilize greater use of hip strategy to maintain postural stability.