21st Annual Student Research Conference
The Effects of Rotation in Three Different Orthogonal Planes on Postural Sway
Sarah E. Grafelman*, Farren C. Wise, and Jennifer Salmon
Dr. Jeremy Houser, Faculty Mentor
This study explored how spinning in three different planes differentially affects postural sway. Each subject (N=32) was blindfolded and placed on a short-arm centrifuge in one of three positions: sitting cross-legged, lying prone or laying on their right side. These three conditions were randomized and separated by three minute rest intervals. The subjects were rotated at 52 rpm for 30 seconds in one of the three positions. The subjects then stood quietly on a force platform. Center of pressure was calculated to reflect postural sway in two dimensions of the transverse plane. The results found that rotation increased the range and velocity of postural sway (p<0.001), with ‘laying on the right side’ having the greatest affect. However, rotation orientation did not cause any significant directional sway. Investigations into the relationship between vestibular disturbances and postural sway could have implications in the rehabilitation setting for patients with vestibular dysfunctions.
Keywords: orthogonal planes, centrifuge, postural sway, vestibular disturbances
Topic(s):Exercise Science
Presentation Type: Oral Paper
Session: 50-5
Location: VH 1010
Time: 3:45