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Updated: Mar 14, 2026
Assessment of Static Graviceptive Perception in the Roll-Plane using the Subjective Visual Vertical Paradigm
Published on: April 28, 2020
Developmental study identifies the ages at which the processes involved in the perception of verticality and in
Margherita Tringali1,2, Sylvette Wiener-Vacher2, Maria Pia Bucci1,2
1UMR1141 INSERM-Université Paris 7, Robert Debré Paediatric Hospital, Paris, France.
Insights
Visual information impacts children's balance and verticality perception. Postural stability develops earlier than subjective visual vertical (SVV) perception, suggesting later maturation of sensory integration processes in children.
Area of Science:
- Developmental neuroscience
- Human motor control
- Sensory processing
Background:
- Visual information plays a crucial role in developing postural stability and the perception of verticality.
- Understanding these developmental trajectories in children is essential for identifying potential neurological or sensory integration issues.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the influence of visual information on the development of verticality perception and postural stability in healthy children.
- To determine the age-related changes in these abilities and their potential interdependencies.
Main Methods:
- Sixty-six healthy children aged 4.0 to 15.7 years participated.
- Postural stability was assessed using a TechnoConcept platform.
- Subjective visual vertical (SVV) perception was measured under varying visual conditions (darkness, visual stimuli) and compared with open/closed-eye postural recordings.
Main Results:
- A significant correlation was observed between children's age and performance on postural and SVV tasks.
- Postural stability improved up to 8-9 years of age, while SVV performance improved after 10-11 years.
- Both abilities plateaued by age 15, indicating distinct developmental timelines.
Conclusions:
- Cortical and central processes for verticality perception and postural stability mature throughout childhood.
- The later maturation of vertical perception compared to postural stability suggests a delayed development in sensory integration processes.
- These findings highlight the complex interplay of sensory systems during child development.
Aim:
The aim of this study was to understand the role played by visual information on the development of verticality and postural stability in healthy children.
Methods:
The study comprised 66 healthy children from 4.0 to 15.7 years of age. Postural performances were recorded with a TechnoConcept platform. At the same time, the children's perception of subjective visual vertical (SVV) was recorded while they adjusted a vertical fluorescent line, either in the dark or in the presence of perturbing visual stimuli. Two testing control conditions without an SVV task were also performed by all of the children: static posturographic recording with open eyes and closed eyes.
Results:
Postural measurements provided evidence of a correlation between the children's age and the tasks performed. Postural stability improved with age until eight to nine years, and SVV performance improved after 10-11 years. After these ages, postural and SVV capabilities did not change until at least 15 years of age.
Conclusion:
Our findings suggest that the maturation of cortical and central processes involved in both the perception of verticality and in postural stability took place during childhood. However, maturation occurred later for vertical perception, which could imply delayed maturation of sensory integration processes.
