Contribution of visual and proprioceptive system to the limit of stability in geriatric population – An observational study

Abstract

Background: Balance is needed to maintain stability during a quiet or pertubated stance. The ability to balance can be compromised by the biological process of aging. Impairment of this ability ultimately results in increased morbidity, mortality, healthcare cost or can lead to a fear for one's safety with a self-imposed limitation of activity. However, there is no argument regarding the role of the sensory system to maintain balance, but conflict still exists regarding its underlying contribution. Purpose: To determine the way the visual and proprioceptor systems contributes to maintaining balance and determine the alteration of contribution by those systems regarding gender, age, height and weight. Methods: Sixty participants of more than 60 years of age were selected randomly. Participants were assessed by a multidirectional reach test on a firm, foam surface and a ball with open and closed eyes on each surface. Results: A visual and proprioceptive contribution of 11.69% and 22.56%, respectively, was found on a firm surface and there was significant change in the contribution depending on the surface. Discussion: We suggested that vision is less able to supplement peripheral input to maintain balance compared with the proprioceptive system. Conclusion: The proprioceptive system contributes more compared with the visual system for postural stability. As the demand increases because of altered environments, the contribution from those systems also increases.

Key words::

• Balance
• geriatric population
• multidirectional reach test
• proprioception
• vision

Acknowledgment

We sincerely acknowledge the support of the tertiary care hospital and old-age home for their help.

Declaration of interest: The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of the paper.