Smooth-pursuit eye movements without head movement disrupt the static body balance

Abstract

Abstract. [Purpose] To investigate the changes of body balance in static posture in smooth-pursuit eye movements (SPEMs) without head movement. [Subjects and Methods] Forty subjects (24 males, 16 females) aged 23.24 ± 2.58 years participated. SPEMs were activated in three directions (horizontal, vertical, and diagonal movements); the target speed was set at three conditions (10°/s, 20°/s, and 30°/s); and the binocular visual field was limited to 50°. To compare the body balance changes, the general stability (ST) and the fall risk index (FI) were measured with TETRAX. The subjects wore a head-neck collar and stood on a balance plate for 32 s during each measurement in three directions. SPEMs were induced to each subject with nine target speeds and directions. All measured values were compared with those in stationary fixation.[Results] The ST and FI increased significantly in all SPEMs directions, with an increased target speed than that in stationary fixation. In the same condition of the target speed, the FI had the highest value relative to diagonal SPEMs.[Conclusion] SPEMs without head movement disrupt the stability of body balance in a static posture, and diagonal SPEMs may have a more negative effect in maintaining body balance than horizontal or vertical SPEMs.

Improving Balance through Virtual Reality and Physical Therapy Integration

“…Early treatment strategies included vestibular exercises, balance training, and gait training [9] [31] [32]. At follow-up, the patient was introduced to a VR environment.…”

“…Interventions utilized during the patient's therapy focused on improving vestibular function to improve overall balance [9] [32]. The patient was cleared of any cervical restrictions that may impede vestibular exercises.…”

“…A study by Kim et al explores the link between smooth eye pursuits without head movement and its disruption to static balance [9]. Results of the study show a positive correlation with eye movements and disturbance of static equilibrium.…”

“…In physical therapy, patients with central nervous system injuries may present with impairments with eye movements. Virtual environments can be used as a tool to assist in oculomotor exercises [9]. To objectively measure the amount of adaptation and habituation, the Dizziness Handicap Inventory (DHI), with minimal detectable change (MCD) of 18, was used to quantify the patient's self-perception [10].…”

Cervical Rotator Muscle Activity With Eye Movement at Different Speeds is Distorted in Whiplash

“…Some initial insight of potential challenge associated with dynamic eye movement comes from a study of object tracking at different speeds 10, 20 and 30 degrees/s in pain‐free individuals. In that study, participants stood with a static head position; eye movement at higher speeds compromised balance performance …”