Abstract
A substantial number of injuries and fatalities within occupational environments are due to falls, the majority of which are believed to be a result of loss of balance. This study investigated the effects of postural demands, visual cues, and mental activity on objective measures of postural sway and subjective assessment of postural stability. Measures of postural sway (mean distance, mean velocity, sway area) were obtained using a force plate, both during quiet standing and while performing mental arithmetic. In addition, a subjective postural stability scale was used to record perceptions of postural stability. Thirty participants completed all conditions with the effects of postural stance and visual cues being significant (ANOVA, α=0.05). Mental workload did not substantially alter postural sway or sensations of stability. High negative correlations between the objective and subjective measures were calculated (r = −0.81–0.95), with increases in subjective postural ratings corresponding to decreases in objective postural sway measures. Perceptions of postural stability seemed to accurately reflect actual postural sway.
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