Body Balance Analysis in the Visually Impaired Individuals Aged 18-24 Years.

BACKGROUND

Proper body balance is maintained by both sensory, i.e., vision, hearing, vestibular, and proprioception, and motor nervous systems. Visual control facilitates balance both in a static position, as well as during movement. Visual dysfunctions can adversely affect balance and stability control.

METHODS

The study comprised a group of 30 individuals visually impaired from birth aged 18-24 years. The control group consisted of 50 persons in the same age range as the study group. The trial was performed as four separate tests: two on a stable surface platform, and two on an unstable surface platform.

RESULTS

No statistically significant differences were found in the posturography test on the stable platform between the study groups. When tested on an unstable ground surface, the visually impaired subjects obtained showed worse performance than the sighted persons. Statistically significant differences were observed in the majority of the analyzed results.

CONCLUSIONS

Visually impaired individuals present a poorer ability to maintain balance under dynamic conditions. Tests conducted on the unstable surface platform seem to be more relevant and applicable in the diagnosis of the subjects with visual impairment, as they differentiate the subjects to a greater extent.