Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 23, 2026
Assessment of Static Graviceptive Perception in the Roll-Plane using the Subjective Visual Vertical Paradigm
Published on: April 28, 2020
Influence of sensory loss on the perception of verticality in stroke patients
Wim Saeys1, Luc Vereeck, Steven Truijen
1Artesis University College of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium. wim.saeys@ua.ac.be
Purpose:
The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between somatosensory loss and perception of verticality in stroke patients suffering single-hemisphere lesions.
Method:
Somatosensory loss was measured using the Rivermead Assessment for Somatosensory Performance (RASP). Perception of verticality was assessed with the Subjective Visual Vertical (SVV) and the Subjective Postural Vertical (SPV) tests. Absolute Values of SVV and SPV were used to analyze the amount of deviation in relation to somatosensory loss.
Results:
Thirty-two patients were included in the study (mean age = 45.91 SD = 31.88 years). Analysis showed that somatosensory loss was related to results of the SVV (r = -0.552, p = 0.001, Pearson Rank) and the SPV (r = -0.661, p < 0.001, Spearman Ï). Furthermore, results showed that both joint-related (SVV: r = -0.411, p = 0.019, Pearson Rank; SPV: r = -0.597, p = 0.001, Spearman Ï) and skin-related (SVV: r = -0.595, p < 0.001, Pearson Rank; SPV: r = -0.663, p < 0.001, Spearman Ï) somatosensory information is related to verticality perception.
Conclusions:
This study provides evidence that perception of verticality is related to somatosensory loss, which means that somatosensory loss will lead to a larger amount of deviation of SVV and SPV in relation to the gravitational vector. Furthermore, it is interesting to note that both SVV and SPV are influenced by somatosensory loss.
Implications For Rehabilitation:
• Somatosensory information is related to both visual and postural aspects of verticality perception. • Both joint- and cutaneous-related modalities of sensory information are related to perception of verticality. • Sensory training could be important in the recovery of verticality perception.
