Article

Postural control requires the integration of sensorimotor information to maintain
balance and to properly position and orient the body in response to external
stimuli. Age-related declines in peripheral and central sensory and motor
function contribute to postural instability and falls.
This study investigated
the contribution of head position, standing surface, and vision on postural sway
in 26 community-dwelling older adults. Participants were asked to maintain a
stable posture under conditions that varied standing surface, head position, and
the availability of visual information. Significant main and interaction effects
were found for all three factors. Findings from this study suggest that postural
sway responses require the integration of available sources of sensory
information. These results have important implications for fall risks in older
adults and suggest that when standing with the head extended and eyes closed,
older adults may place themselves at risk for postural disequilibrium and loss of
balance.
CI - Copyright (c) 2016 by the American Occupational Therapy Association, Inc.

Langue : ANGLAIS