Visual Self-motion Perception in Older Adults

Abstract

Vision plays an important role in the perception of the body's movement through space. Impaired visual self-motion perception may have particular relevance for balance control during locomotion. This paper discusses basic concepts of visual self-motion perception, describes the neuroanatomic correlates of motion processing, and briefly reviews literature relevant to visual motion perception during locomotion. Evidence of age-related declines in self-motion perception is used to suggest clinical implications and a direction for future investigations of postural control in older adults.