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Updated: Jul 16, 2026
Experimental Methods to Study Human Postural Control
Published on: September 11, 2019
Postural control in individuals with mental disorders: A systematic review and META-analysis
Carla Emilia Rossato1, Aline Josiane Waclawovsky2, Gabriela Dos Santos de Souza3
1Research Group on Biomechanics and Human Movement Energetics, Federal University of Santa Maria, Brazil; Research Group on Exercise and Mental Health, Federal University of Santa Maria, Brazil; Postgraduate Program in Human Communication Disorders, Federal University of Santa Maria, Brazil.
Individuals with mental disorders exhibit poorer postural balance compared to healthy individuals. This meta-analysis highlights significant differences in center of pressure sway, indicating impaired balance in those with mental health conditions.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Psychiatry
- Biomechanics
Background:
- Emerging evidence suggests altered postural balance in individuals with mental disorders.
- A meta-analysis is needed to consolidate findings comparing postural control between individuals with and without mental health conditions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review and synthesize evidence on postural balance differences between individuals with mental disorders and healthy controls.
- To quantify these differences using meta-analysis of center of pressure (COP) data.
Main Methods:
- A comprehensive database search (PubMed, PsycINFO, Embase, SportDiscus, Web of Science) was conducted.
- Included studies compared postural balance (assessed via COP) in individuals with and without mental disorders under various conditions.
- Random effects meta-analyses were performed to calculate mean differences (MD) in COP, with heterogeneity assessed via meta-regression and subgroup analyses.
Main Results:
- 33 studies with 2,601 participants (1,424 with mental disorders, 1,177 controls) were analyzed.
- Individuals with mental disorders demonstrated significantly greater COP area sway, particularly in feet-apart, eyes-open and eyes-closed conditions.
- The majority of included studies (96.96%) presented a low or moderate risk of bias.
Conclusions:
- Individuals diagnosed with mental disorders exhibit significant alterations in postural balance compared to their healthy counterparts.
- These findings underscore the impact of mental health conditions on motor control and balance.
- Further research may explore the specific mechanisms underlying these postural deficits.
