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Changes in plantar pressures during bipedal stance with different stance width
1Institute of Physiology, Bulgarian Acadamy of Sciences, Sofia. gatev@bio.bas.bg
Acta Physiologica Et Pharmacologica Bulgarica
|November 7, 2001
Summary
Wider stances improve balance during quiet standing by reducing sway. Vision plays a key role in maintaining bilateral symmetry, with eyes closed leading to a slight leftward weight shift.
Area of Science:
- Biomechanics
- Human Postural Control
- Gait Analysis
Background:
- Understanding postural control is crucial for preventing falls and improving mobility.
- Plantar pressure distribution and center-of-foot-pressure (CFP) dynamics provide insights into balance strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of stance width and visual input on plantar pressures and CFP.
- To analyze how these factors influence postural sway and inter-limb coordination during quiet standing.
Main Methods:
- Participants performed bipedal quiet standing on pressure-sensitive insoles.
- Stance width was manipulated (normal vs. widened support).
- Visual conditions included eyes-open and eyes-closed.
Main Results:
- Widened stance reduced variability (SDs) in mean plantar pressures (MPPs) and CFP displacements (anteroposterior and mediolateral).
- Wider stances decreased negative correlations between left/right MPPs and CFP displacements, increasing positive anteroposterior correlation.
- Eyes-closed condition induced a leftward body weight bias and altered CFP, indicating vision enhances postural symmetry.
Conclusions:
- Support widening enhances anteroposterior equilibrium control while reducing mediolateral exploratory sway.
- Vision is essential for maintaining bilateral symmetry during quiet standing.
- Stance width and visual input are critical modulators of postural control strategies.