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Effects of Visual Input on Standing Balance Control When Back-Carrying External Loads

The objective of this study was to identify how visual input affects upright balance when external loads are applied. Two independent variables were thus investigated: visual input and loading conditions. Visual input was manipulated by simply using eyes-open and eyes-closed conditions. External loads were set at 10kg and back-carried using a school backpack. During data collection, the participants were instructed to stand upright on a force platform as still as possible with feet parallel and together. The root measure square distance and mean velocity of COP were used as dependent measures to quantify balance control behaviors. Univariate ANOVA revealed that all the dependent measures significantly increased in the eyes-closed condition versus eyes-open condition when back-carrying external loads, indicating that deprived vision might lead to less postural stability and increased fall risks. In addition, the effects on balance caused by visual input were not affected by loading conditions. Findings from this study demonstrated that visual input plays an important role in the control of balance under different loading conditions. This information could be useful, especially when developing interventions for the improvement of balance in the condition where external loads are applied.