title: Subjective visual vertical and postural capability in children born prematurely.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  We compared postural stability and subjective visual vertical performance in a group of very preterm-born children aged 3-4 years and in a group of age-matched full-term children.
  
  
  METHODS
  A platform (from TechnoConcept) was used to measure postural control in children. Perception of subjective visual vertical was also recorded with posture while the child had to adjust the vertical in the dark or with visual perturbation. Two other conditions (control conditions) were also recorded while the child was on the platform: for a fixation of the vertical bar, and in eyes closed condition.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Postural performance was poor in preterm-born children compared to that of age-matched full-term children: the surface area, the length in medio-lateral direction and the mean speed of the center of pressure (CoP) were significantly larger in the preterm-born children group (p < 0.04, p < 0.01, and p < 0.04, respectively). Dual task in both groups of children significantly affected postural control. The subjective visual vertical (SVV) values were more variable and less precise in preterm-born children.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  We suggest that poor postural control as well as perception of verticality observed in preterm-born children could be due to immaturity of the cortical processes involved in the motor control and in the treatment of perception and orientation of verticality.
authors: UMR1141 INSERM-Université Paris 7, Robert Debré Hospital, 48 boulevard Sérurier, 75019, Paris, France; Vestibular and Oculomotor Evaluation Unit (EFEE), ENT Dept., Robert Debré Paediatric Hospital, 48 boulevard Sérurier, 75019, Paris, France.
authors: Maria Pia
authors: MP
authors: Bucci
authors: UMR1141 INSERM-Université Paris 7, Robert Debré Hospital, 48 boulevard Sérurier, 75019, Paris, France; Vestibular and Oculomotor Evaluation Unit (EFEE), ENT Dept., Robert Debré Paediatric Hospital, 48 boulevard Sérurier, 75019, Paris, France.
authors: Sylvette
authors: S
authors: Wiener-Vacher
authors: Neuropsychologie, DHU PROTECT, Robert Debré Hospital, 48 boulevard Sérurier, 75019, Paris, France.
authors: Clémence
authors: C
authors: Trousson
authors: UMR1141 INSERM-Université Paris 7, Robert Debré Hospital, 48 boulevard Sérurier, 75019, Paris, France; Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Robert Debré Hospital, 48 boulevard Sérurier, 75019, Paris, France.
authors: Olivier
authors: O
authors: Baud
authors: UMR1141 INSERM-Université Paris 7, Robert Debré Hospital, 48 boulevard Sérurier, 75019, Paris, France; Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Robert Debré Hospital, 48 boulevard Sérurier, 75019, Paris, France.
authors: Valerie
authors: V
authors: Biran
mesh_terms: D001288:Attention; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D002490:Central Nervous System / Q000503:physiopathology; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D004856:Postural Balance; D011247:Pregnancy; D047928:Premature Birth / Q000503:physiopathology*; D014796:Visual Perception