Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 6, 2026
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Experimental Methods to Study Human Postural Control
Published on: September 11, 2019
Posture and Virtual Reality: How a Head-Mounted Display Affects Postural Stability and Plantar Pressure Parameters in
Ciro Ivan De Girolamo1, Allegra Fullin1, Ersilia Vallefuoco2
1Department of Advanced Biomedical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy.
Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology
|July 24, 2026
Summary
Virtual reality (VR) does not significantly impact postural stability or plantar pressure. However, a Head-Mounted Display (HMD) can reduce body sway in closed-eye conditions, suggesting VR
Area of Science:
- Biomechanics
- Human Factors Engineering
- Neuroscience
Background:
- Postural control relies on sensory inputs.
- Baropodometry quantifies postural receptor impact but lacks standardization.
- Virtual reality (VR) offers potential for standardizing tests.
Purpose of the Study:
- Investigate VR's effect on plantar pressure and postural stability.
- Evaluate Head-Mounted Display (HMD) influence on these parameters.
- Assess VR's role in standardizing instrumental postural exams.
Main Methods:
- 50 healthy adults performed baropodometry under four conditions: eyes open (OE), eyes closed (CE), HMD with eyes open (HMD-OE), and HMD with eyes closed (HMD-CE).
- Plantar pressure and stabilometric parameters were measured.
- Intrasubject variability was assessed.
Main Results:
- VR showed negligible effect on plantar pressure and stabilometric variability.
- No significant difference in postural stability between OE and HMD-OE conditions.
- Increased body sway in CE compared to OE (with/without HMD).
- HMD-CE showed reduced body sway compared to CE, indicating a sensory-proprioceptive effect.
- No significant difference between HMD-CE and OE.
Conclusions:
- Visual afferents are affected differently than proprioceptive ones by HMD use.
- VR does not significantly impact overall postural stability.
- VR shows potential for standardizing instrumental postural examinations.
