Document Type

Paper

Abstract

Purpose: In order to maintain balance and stability, the body relies on the integration of information from the visual, vestibular, and proprioceptive systems. If an individual has an impairment or weakness in one or more systems, their ability to maintain balance may be impaired. Both postural stability and vision contribute to one’s ability to maintain balance in functions of everyday life. The Y-Balance Test (YBT) is a dynamic balance assessment. This study focuses on the visual system and its relation to postural balance, specifically if altered visual states affect one’s ability to maintain balance during a YBT via the use of drunk goggles and blindfolds. The applications of this study hope to provide more information about one of the leading risks of injury in the older population. Methods: Twenty-six collegiate students, 13 male and 13 female, age 20.5 ± 1.6 years, were recruited, given a Bethel University IRB and approved informed consent. Subjects completed a warmup of dynamic stretching. Within one 30-minute session, each participant completed a control, visually impaired (VI), and blindfolded (BF) lower quarter (LQ) YBT. The data gathered in the session was bilateral limb length and bilateral reach values for anterior, posterior-medial, and posterior-lateral reaches. Results: Using SPSS (v28), a one-way ANOVA test was completed. Results found no significance (p<0.05) between Control YBT and BF YBT. Both right (p<0.025) and left (p<0.036) post medial reach had significance in comparing the Control YBT to the VI YBT. Right post-medial reach averaged 101.6 ± 12.4 cm and right VI YBT averaged 90.3 ± 18.4 cm. Conclusion: This study assists in a better understanding if vision alteration or complete blindness impacts balance more drastically. Through the results of the study, the investigators can draw the conclusion that there is significance in the post medial reach direction with altered vision. These results support the hypothesis that altered visual states have a greater impact on LQ balance than complete blindness compared to uninhibited vision. Additionally, the results may contribute to a better understanding of the role the visual system in maintaining postural stability.

Department(s)

Applied Health Sciences

Date Accepted/Awarded

Spring 5-2024

First Advisor/Reader

Leah Jackson

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