title: Static and dynamic postural control in low-vision and normal-vision adults.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  This study aimed to evaluate the influence of reduced visual information on postural control by comparing low-vision and normal-vision adults in static and dynamic conditions.
  
  
  METHODS
  Twenty-five low-vision subjects and twenty-five normal sighted adults were evaluated for static and dynamic balance using four protocols: 1) the Modified Clinical Test of Sensory Interaction on Balance on firm and foam surfaces with eyes opened and closed; 2) Unilateral Stance with eyes opened and closed; 3) Tandem Walk; and 4) Step Up/Over.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The results showed that the low-vision group presented greater body sway compared with the normal vision during balance on a foam surface (p≤0.001), the Unilateral Stance test for both limbs (p≤0.001), and the Tandem Walk test. The low-vision group showed greater step width (p≤0.001) and slower gait speed (p≤0.004). In the Step Up/Over task, low-vision participants were more cautious in stepping up (right p≤0.005 and left p≤0.009) and in executing the movement (p≤0.001).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  These findings suggest that visual feedback is crucial for determining balance, especially for dynamic tasks and on foam surfaces. Low-vision individuals had worse postural stability than normal-vision adults in terms of dynamic tests and balance on foam surfaces.
authors.affiliation: Hospital das Clínicas, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de São Paulo, Institute of Orthopedics and Traumatology, Movement Study Laboratory, São Paulo/SP, Brazil.
authors.forename: Mônica S V
authors.initials: MS
authors.lastname: Tomomitsu
authors.forename: Angelica Castilho
authors.initials: AC
authors.lastname: Alonso
authors.forename: Eurica
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Morimoto
authors.forename: Tatiana G
authors.initials: TG
authors.lastname: Bobbio
authors.forename: Julia M D
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Greve
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D003943:Diagnostic Techniques, Neurological; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D004856:Postural Balance / Q000502:physiology*; D013997:Time Factors; D015354:Vision, Low / Q000503:physiopathology*; D014785:Vision, Ocular / Q000502:physiology*; D016138:Walking / Q000502:physiology; D055815:Young Adult