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Updated: May 9, 2026
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Computerized Dynamic Posturography for Postural Control Assessment in Patients with Intermittent Claudication
Published on: December 11, 2013
Sequential analysis of postural control resource allocation during a dual task test.
Ji Hye Hwang1, Chang-Hyung Lee, Hyun Jung Chang
1Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Center for Clinical Research, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.
Annals of Rehabilitation Medicine
|July 23, 2013
Summary
Postural control is influenced by automatic and attentional factors during dual tasks. Nonverbal tasks significantly reduced body sway, suggesting their utility in clinical balance training.
Area of Science:
- Human movement science
- Neuroscience
- Biomechanics
Background:
- Postural control involves complex interactions between automatic and attentional processes.
- Understanding these interactions is crucial for developing effective interventions for balance disorders.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate how automatic (reflex-controlled) and attentional (high cortical) factors influence postural control during dual-task conditions.
- To examine the effects of different secondary tasks (verbal vs. nonverbal) and sensory perturbations (vibration) on postural sway.
Main Methods:
- A dual-task paradigm was employed with 23 healthy young adults standing on force plates.
- Measurements of center of pressure (sway) were recorded during single-leg stance under conditions with and without vibration, and with concurrent verbal or nonverbal tasks.
Main Results:
- Distinct sway patterns emerged between early and late phases of dual-task trials, indicating changing attentional demands.
- Vibration significantly increased sway in early phases, while secondary tasks generally decreased sway, particularly nonverbal tasks in later phases.
Conclusions:
- Attentional demands modulate automatic postural control mechanisms.
- Findings suggest that nonverbal tasks may be particularly effective in enhancing postural stability, with potential applications in clinical balance training and rehabilitation.
