Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 26, 2026
14:52
Computerized Dynamic Posturography for Postural Control Assessment in Patients with Intermittent Claudication
Published on: December 11, 2013
12.0K
Assessment of Postural Stability in Semi-Open Prisoners: A Pilot Study
Michalina Błażkiewicz1, Jacek Wąsik2, Justyna Kędziorek1
1Faculty of Rehabilitation, The Józef Piłsudski University of Physical Education in Warsaw, 00-968 Warsaw, Poland.
Journal of Clinical Medicine
|September 27, 2025
Summary
Men with a history of substance dependence exhibit poorer postural stability, particularly in challenging balance tasks. This highlights potential neurophysiological impacts of addiction on balance control in incarcerated populations.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Physiology
- Forensic Science
Background:
- Investigated postural stability in male inmates.
- Focused on comparing individuals with and without substance dependence history.
- Examined addiction's impact on neurophysiological changes affecting postural control.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess postural stability differences between addicted and non-addicted male prisoners.
- To identify how neurophysiological changes from substance dependence affect balance.
- To understand the influence of sensory and biomechanical demands on postural control.
Main Methods:
- 47 male prisoners (19 addicted, 28 non-addicted) participated.
- Postural control assessed using stabilometric platform and IMU.
- Analyzed sway metrics and trunk kinematics across varied standing tasks.
Main Results:
- Addicted group showed greater instability, especially with eyes closed and single-leg stances.
- Increased sway and irregularity in the anterior-posterior direction observed in addicted individuals.
- Altered trunk motion in addicted participants suggests impaired neuromuscular control.
Conclusions:
- Substance dependence is linked to compromised postural stability in incarcerated men.
- Balance deficits may result from neuroadaptive changes due to substance use.
- Postural assessments can aid in detecting functional impairments and guiding rehabilitation in prison settings.
