Citation

Brownlee MG, Banks MA, Crosbie WJ, Meldrum F, Nimmo MA. Gerontology 1989; 35(5-6): 323-331.

Affiliation

Department of Physiotherapy, Queen's College, Glasgow, UK.

Comment In:

Gerontology 1990;36(3):180.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1989, Karger Publishers)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

2630388

Abstract

This study examines some aspects of spatial orientation mechanisms in idiopathic elderly fallers. Tests of visual perception of verticality and horizontality showed no significant difference between 6 fallers and 6 controls, although 50% of fallers indicated difficulties in the recognition of postural tilt. Results of responses to standing balance indicated that fallers leant more heavily on a supporting frame and were more spatially deflected when standing on one leg than were controls. The results suggest that fallers may rely on visual cues to recognise and correct postural deviations, thus implying that their proprioceptive feedback is impaired.

Language: en