Effects of Visual Cues on the Standing Body Sway of Males and Females

Abstract

6 male and 6 female Ss, in a standing position, were exposed for 4 min. to the following conditions: eyes closed, vertical luminous red, horizontal luminous rod, diagonal right luminous rod, eyes closed—body lean left, and eyes open with view of experimental room. Each student was tested in a single session, with the six conditions presented according to their position in a Latin square design. Power spectral density analysis of body sway showed little influence of the visual system in the maintenance of static equilibrium. Possible effects of the visual system in more active or stressful body conditions were discussed.