Influence of vision on adaptive postural responses following standing on an incline

Exp Brain Res. 2010 May;203(1):221-6. doi: 10.1007/s00221-010-2208-4. Epub 2010 Mar 25.

Abstract

Previous studies demonstrated a leaning after-effect (LAE) following standing or walking on an inclined surface consistent with a long-lasting, somatosensory memory for body orientation relative to the surface. Here, we asked whether providing a brief visual reference during LAE resets postural orientation to the new visual reference. The results showed that subjects immediately return to upright when eyes were opened briefly during the post-incline period. However, the subjects also immediately resumed leaning after closing their eyes again following 20 s of eyes open. The duration of LAE was not influenced by 1 or 2 brief periods of vision. Also, the amplitude of the lean following the brief vision period was often larger than when subjects had their eyes closed for the entire post-incline period. These results suggest a powerful somatosensory memory contribution to postural orientation in space that is not eliminated or recalibrated with brief exposure to a visual reference.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Adaptation, Physiological*
  • Adult
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Learning
  • Male
  • Memory
  • Orientation / physiology
  • Physical Stimulation
  • Posture*
  • Proprioception*
  • Psychophysics
  • Time Factors
  • Visual Perception*