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Active ocular vergence improves postural control in elderly as close viewing distance with or without a single
Eric Matheron1, Qing Yang1, Vincent Delpit-Baraut1
1IRIS Team-Physiopathologie de la Vision et Motricité Binoculaire, CNRS FR3636 Neurosciences, UFR Biomédicale, Université Paris Descartes, 45 rue des Saints-Pères, 75006 Paris, France.
Neuroscience Letters
|November 3, 2015
Summary
Postural stability in elderly individuals is improved by near viewing distances and active eye movements. Conversely, far viewing distances and eye closure decrease stability, highlighting potential benefits of vision and eye training for fall prevention.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Biomechanics
- Neuroscience
Background:
- Age-related decline in sensory systems (vestibular, visual, somatosensory) impairs postural control.
- Reduced postural control in the elderly significantly increases the risk of falls.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate how vision, eye vergence, viewing distance, and cognitive load affect postural control in autonomous elderly individuals.
- To assess the impact of active vergence eye movements on maintaining upright stance.
Main Methods:
- Utilized the DynaPort(®) device with accelerometers to measure body oscillations in 23 elderly participants (average age 73.4 years).
- Tested various conditions: eyes open at near (20 cm) and far (150 cm) distances, with/without cognitive tasks, active convergence/divergence, and eyes closed.
- Measured postural stability using accelerometry near the center of mass.
Main Results:
- Postural stability decreased significantly at far viewing distances (2.3° vergence angle), even with cognitive tasks.
- Active convergence and divergence eye movements enhanced postural stability.
- Eye closure led to decreased postural stability.
Conclusions:
- The benefits of near viewing (increased convergence) for postural control are confirmed using accelerometry in the elderly.
- Active vergence eye movements positively contribute to improved postural stability.
- Eye movement training may offer a novel approach to preserve postural control and autonomy in older adults.
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