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. 2025 Apr;61(1):1-8.

THE ROLE OF PERIPHERAL VISION IN ENHANCING BALANCE AND POSTURAL STABILITY: INSIGHTS FROM CENTRAL VISION OBSTRUCTION

Josephine Villicana  1 , Adam Joseph  1 , Olivia Goldstein  1 , Kyle Luu  1   2   3   4   5 , Elias Matta  1 , Derrick Ngo  1 , Kenneth Nakawaki  1 , Kara Siebein  1 , Rachel Sustek  1 , Kristen Tang  1 , Michael Shiraishi  1 , Alex Mayorga  1 , Seong Hyun Moon  2 , Sivakumar Rajagopal  3 , Raj Kumar Chauhan  4 , Rahul Soangra  1   5
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THE ROLE OF PERIPHERAL VISION IN ENHANCING BALANCE AND POSTURAL STABILITY: INSIGHTS FROM CENTRAL VISION OBSTRUCTION

Josephine Villicana et al. Biomed Sci Instrum. 2025 Apr.

Abstract

This study examines the role of peripheral vision in maintaining postural stability, particularly when central vision is obstructed, using Sensory Organization Testing (SOT) with computer dynamic posturography. Ten participants (5 males, 5 females, aged 21-34 years) were tested under three conditions: full vision, full occlusion, and central vision obstruction allowing only peripheral vision access. Results revealed significantly better balance performance in the peripheral vision condition during somatosensory perturbations (Condition 4), with equilibrium scores higher than in the full vision condition (p = 0.02). Similarly, visual preference (VIS) scores, indicating reliance on visual input, were significantly elevated under peripheral vision conditions (p = 0.03). These findings highlight peripheral vision's critical role in improving postural sway and maintaining balance when central vision is impaired, as seen in conditions such as age-related macular degeneration (AMD). While central vision is vital for daily tasks requiring focused attention, peripheral vision provides crucial environmental cues for balance and stability. This research underscores the need for targeted interventions and balance training programs to mitigate fall risks in individuals with central vision loss. Future studies will explore these effects in populations with visual impairments to enhance clinical relevance and applicability of central vision on balance.

Keywords: Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD); Peripheral vision; central vision; postural stability.

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Figures

Figure 1.
Figure 1.
Establishing the 120 Degree Markers for Calibration
Figure 2.
Figure 2.
Drawn version of the calibration for a consistent measure
Figure 3.
Figure 3.
Participants getting calibrated based on seeing the light or not at the specific marker
Figure 4.
Figure 4.
Example of a blocked pair of glasses.
Figure 5.
Figure 5.
Bar graph showing comparison of means between Bertec conditions
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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