Article

The purpose of this study was to compare individuals with SCI and
able-bodied participants on their use of visual inputs to maintain standing
postural steadiness. Another aim was to quantify the association between visual
contribution to achieve postural steadiness and a clinical balance scale.
Individuals with SCI (n = 15) and able-bodied controls (n = 14) performed
quasi-static stance, with eyes open or closed, on force plates for two 45 s
trials. Measurements of the centre of pressure (COP) included the mean value of
the root mean square (RMS), mean COP velocity (MV) and COP sway area (SA).
Individuals with SCI were also evaluated with the Mini-Balance Evaluation Systems
Test (Mini BESTest), a clinical outcome measure of postural steadiness.
Individuals with SCI were significantly less stable than able-bodied controls in
both conditions. The Romberg ratios (eyes open/eyes closed) for COP MV and SA
were significantly higher for individuals with SCI, indicating a higher
contribution of visual inputs for postural steadiness in that population. Romberg
ratios for RMS and SA were significantly associated with the Mini-BESTest. This
study highlights the contribution of visual inputs in individuals with SCI when
maintaining quasi-static standing posture.
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Langue : ANGLAIS