Correlation between Balance Ability and Linear Motion Perception

Abstract

In this study, we investigated the correlation between balancing ability and motion perception. To provide the condition that declined balance ability, subjects were restrained their sole sensation. The balance ability was evaluated by measuring the center of pressure (COP) during quiet standing. Body kinematics was also monitored by using the motion capture system. We quantified the motion perception by measuring the threshold of perceived direction of linear motion. This result suggests that the COP represents the balance ability for quiet standing. However COP is insufficient for representing the balance ability during body movement. To describe the stability during motion, motion perception might compensate the COP. © 2009 International Federation of Medical and Biological Engineering.