The Relation of Mental Rotation and Postural Stability
Related Experiment Video
Updated: Nov 12, 2025

Author Spotlight: Insights into the Analysis of Human Interaction with 3D Virtual Objects
Published on: October 18, 2024
Philipp Hofmann1, Petra Jansen1
1Faculty of Human Science, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany.
Abstract:
Main goal of this study was to investigate the influence of mental rotation tasks on postural stability. 84 participants were tested with two object-based mental rotation tasks (cube vs. human figures), an egocentric mental rotation task with one human figure, a math- (cognitive control) and a neutral task, while standing on a force plate in a both-legged narrow stance. Parameters related to the Center of Pressure course over time were used to quantify postural stability. The simultaneous solution of mental rotation tasks has led to postural stabilisation compared to the neutral condition. Egocentric tasks provoked more postural stability than object-based tasks with cube figures. Furthermore, a more stable stance was observed for embodied stimuli than for cube figures. An explorative approach showed the tendency that higher rotation angles of the object-based mental rotation task stimuli lead to more postural sway. These results contribute to a better understanding of the interaction between mental rotation and motor skills and emphasize the role of type of task and embodiment in dual task research.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Stability of Equilibrium Configuration: Problem Solving
Problem-solving in the context of the stability of equilibrium configuration...
Transformation of Plane Stress
Rotational Motion about a Fixed Axis
Equilibrium and Balance
Relative Motion Analysis using Rotating Axes-Problem Solving
Here, in order to determine the magnitude of velocity and acceleration for point...
Relative Motion Analysis using Rotating Axes
However, to express the relative position of point B relative to point A, an additional frame of reference, denoted as x'y', is necessary. This additional frame not only translates but also rotates relative to the fixed frame, making it...

