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Updated: Apr 16, 2026
Assessment of Static Graviceptive Perception in the Roll-Plane using the Subjective Visual Vertical Paradigm
Published on: April 28, 2020
Subjective visual vertical and postural capability in children born prematurely
Maria Pia Bucci1, Sylvette Wiener-Vacher1, Clémence Trousson2
1UMR1141 INSERM-Université Paris 7, Robert Debré Hospital, 48 boulevard Sérurier, 75019, Paris, France; Vestibular and Oculomotor Evaluation Unit (EFEE), ENT Dept., Robert Debré Paediatric Hospital, 48 boulevard Sérurier, 75019, Paris, France.
Insights
Very preterm-born children show poorer postural stability and subjective visual vertical perception compared to full-term peers. This suggests potential immaturity in cortical processes affecting motor control and spatial orientation.
Area of Science:
- Developmental neuroscience
- Pediatric motor control
- Sensory-motor integration
Background:
- Preterm birth can impact neurodevelopmental outcomes.
- Postural stability and visual vertical perception are crucial for motor development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare postural stability and subjective visual vertical (SVV) performance in very preterm-born children (3-4 years) versus age-matched full-term children.
Main Methods:
- Postural control was assessed using a platform measuring center of pressure (CoP).
- SVV perception was recorded under various conditions (dark, visual perturbation, fixation, eyes closed).
Main Results:
- Preterm children exhibited significantly poorer postural control (larger CoP surface area, medio-lateral length, and mean speed).
- Dual-task conditions negatively impacted postural control in both groups.
- Preterm children showed more variable and less precise SVV values.
Conclusions:
- Impaired postural control and verticality perception in preterm children may stem from immature cortical processes.
- These findings highlight potential challenges in motor control and spatial orientation for very preterm-born individuals.
Purpose:
We compared postural stability and subjective visual vertical performance in a group of very preterm-born children aged 3-4 years and in a group of age-matched full-term children.
Materials And Methods:
A platform (from TechnoConcept) was used to measure postural control in children. Perception of subjective visual vertical was also recorded with posture while the child had to adjust the vertical in the dark or with visual perturbation. Two other conditions (control conditions) were also recorded while the child was on the platform: for a fixation of the vertical bar, and in eyes closed condition.
Results:
Postural performance was poor in preterm-born children compared to that of age-matched full-term children: the surface area, the length in medio-lateral direction and the mean speed of the center of pressure (CoP) were significantly larger in the preterm-born children group (p < 0.04, p < 0.01, and p < 0.04, respectively). Dual task in both groups of children significantly affected postural control. The subjective visual vertical (SVV) values were more variable and less precise in preterm-born children.
Discussion-Conclusions:
We suggest that poor postural control as well as perception of verticality observed in preterm-born children could be due to immaturity of the cortical processes involved in the motor control and in the treatment of perception and orientation of verticality.
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