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Experimental Methods to Study Human Postural Control
Published on: September 11, 2019
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Examining the Impact of Visual Perturbation Caused by Virtual Reality on Postural Stability
Sayedmohsen Mortazavi Najafabadi1, Mohammed Najafi Ashtiani2, Bartłomiej Zagrodny1
1Department of Automation, Biomechanics and Mechatronics, Lodz University of Technology, Lodz, Poland.
Journal of Human Kinetics
|November 17, 2025
Summary
Virtual reality environments significantly challenge postural control, especially those with moving or tilting walls. This technology offers a cost-effective method for developing virtual reality-based balance training and exergame therapies.
Area of Science:
- Rehabilitation science
- Human-computer interaction
- Biomechanics
Background:
- Virtual reality (VR) is increasingly used in rehabilitation.
- VR shows promise for enhancing postural balance.
- Postural control is crucial for daily activities and injury prevention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of different VR environments on young adults' postural control.
- To assess postural sway metrics under various simulated visual disturbances.
- To evaluate the potential of VR for balance training.
Main Methods:
- Twenty-five college students participated in a cross-sectional study.
- Participants experienced four VR environments: approaching, accelerating, tilting, and returning walls.
- Postural sway was measured using a pedobarographic platform and analyzed via ANOVA.
Main Results:
- Significant changes in anterior-posterior sway excursion and variability were observed (p=0.004, p<0.001).
- Medial-lateral sway variability also showed significant alterations (p=0.022).
- Accelerating and returning walls induced the most substantial postural control challenges.
Conclusions:
- VR environments, particularly dynamic ones, effectively challenge postural control.
- VR provides a cost-effective simulation of visual disturbances for balance training.
- VR-based exergame therapies show potential for improving postural stability.
