Impact of Sensory Afferences in Postural Control Quantified by Force Platform: A Protocol for Systematic Review

Abstract

Older adults' postural balance is a critical domain of research as balance deficit is an important risk factor for falls that can lead to severe injuries and death. Considering the effects of ageing on sensory systems, we propose that posturographic evaluation with a force platform exploring the effect of sensory deprivation or perturbation on balance could help understand postural control alterations in the elderly. The aim of the future systematic review and meta-analysis described in this protocol is to explore the capacity of older adults to maintain their balance during sensory perturbations, and compare the effect of perturbation between the sensory channels contributing to balance. Seven databases will be searched for studies evaluating older adults' balance under various sensory conditions. After evaluating the studies' risk of bias, results from similar studies (i.e., similar experimental conditions and posturographic markers) will be aggregated. This protocol describes a future review that is expected to provide a better understanding of changes in sensory systems of balance due to ageing, and therefore perspectives on fall assessment, prevention, and rehabilitation.

Keywords: balance; falls; gerontology; posturography; sense organs.

Figure 1

Example of a statokinesigram, representing the CoP trajectory of a subject with proprioceptive deficit, that we recorded standing with eyes open (on the left) and eyes closed (on the right) on a force platform.