Int J Sports Med 2005; 26(2): 116-119
DOI: 10.1055/s-2004-830529
Orthopedics & Biomechanics

© Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

Effects of the Removal of Vision on Body Sway During Different Postures in Elite Gymnasts

F. Asseman1 , O. Caron1 , J. Crémieux1
  • 1Laboratoire Ergonomie, Sport et Performance, Université de Toulon et du Var, UFR-STAPS, La Garde cedex, France
Further Information

Publication History

Accepted after revision: October 10, 2004

Publication Date:
02 February 2005 (online)

Abstract

The aim of this study was to analyse the effects of the removal of vision on postural performance and postural control in function of the difficulty and specificity of the posture. Twelve elite gymnasts were instructed to be as stable as possible with eyes open and eyes closed in three postures: bipedal, unipedal, and handstand ranked from the less difficult and less specific to the more difficult and more specific. The ratios eyes closed on eyes open, computed on CP surface and CP mean velocity, which respectively represents postural performance and postural control, were similar in the bipedal and handstand postures. They were highly increased in the unipedal one. The effect of the removal of vision and so the role of vision on body sway was not directly linked to the difficulty or specificity of the posture; other tasks' characteristics like the segments configuration also played a role.

References

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Dr. F. Asseman

Laboratoire Ergonomie, Sport et Performance · Université de Toulon et du Var · UFR-STAPS

Av. de l'Université, BP 132

83957 La Garde cedex

France

Phone: + 33494142722

Fax: + 33 4 94 14 22 78

Email: asseman@univ-tln.fr