Effect of visual perceptual disturbance on gait and balance

Abstract

[Purpose] This study aimed to determine whether or not problems with gait and balance occur when incorrect information is given visually. [Subjects and Methods] Fifty healthy adults wore goggles that caused visual distortion and viewing angle reduction, and their balance and gait velocities were measured in an upright position. The goggles could be set to three different levels of visual distortion and viewing angle reduction. [Results] Gait velocity slowed more as the degree of visual distortion and viewing angle reduction became more severe. Visual perception disturbance and gait velocities were found to be correlated, but no significant differences were found in balance among the visual disturbance conditions. [Conclusion] The level of visual perception disturbance did not affect control in the standing position, but it increasingly influenced the level of dynamic postural control as visual perception disturbance became more severe.