BJMB
Brazilian Journal of Motor Behavior
Special Issue:
“Manipulation of sensory information on postural control
performance of children, young and older adults”
Polastri, Godoi-
Jacomassi
2024
VOL.18
N.1
https://doi.org/10.20338/bjmb.v18i1.459
1 of 4
Editorial: Manipulation of Sensory Information on Postural Control Performance of
Children, Young and Older Adults
PAULA F. POLASTRI1 | DANIELA GODOI-JACOMASSI2
1 São Paulo State University (UNESP), School of Sciences, Department of Physical Education, LIVIA - Laboratory of Information, Vision and Action, Bauru, SP, Brazil
2 Federal University of Sao Carlos (UFSCar), Center of Biological and Health Science, Department of Physical Education, Dinâmica - Motor Behavior Laboratory, São
Carlos, SP, Brazil
Correspondence to: Daniela Godoi-Jacomassi. Federal University of Sao Carlos (UFSCar), Center of Biological and Health Science, Department of Physical
Education, Dinâmica - Motor Behavior Laboratory, São Carlos, SP, Brazil.
email: danielagodoij@ufscar.br
https://doi.org/10.20338/bjmb.v18i1.459
ABBREVIATIONS
DCD Developmental coordination disorder
PD Parkinson’s disease
PPA Physiological Profile Assessment
TD Typical development
tDCS Transcranial direct current stimulation
VFD Visual Field Dependence
PUBLICATION DATA
Received 20 11 2024
Accepted 21 12 2024
Published 28 12 2024
ABSTRACT
Effective postural control is essential for daily activities, sports, and fall prevention. It relies on
the integration of sensory information from the visual, vestibular, and somatosensory systems,
which continuously adapt throughout life. Research in this area explores how altering sensory
information impacts balance across different age groups and conditions. This special issue
features studies on children, athletes, older adults, and individuals with neurological or
developmental disorders, highlighting the complex relationship between sensory input and
postural control. Two studies explore the developmental role of sensory systems in balance
and investigate visual dependency and fall risk in older adults. Additionally, two studies
examine how sensory manipulation affects postural control, particularly in older adults and
individuals with balance deficits, such as Parkinson’s disease. One infographic illustrates how
hemophilia affects postural and gait performance. Finally, three studies discuss interventions
such as physical exercise, neurostimulation (e.g., tDCS), and trunk resistance load, all aimed
at improving postural control. By manipulating sensory information, we can gain a deeper
understanding of how postural control functions and develop effective strategies to enhance
balance, particularly for individuals with specific health conditions or age-related challenges.
KEYWORDS: Development | Postural sway | Sensory integration | Balance disorders
INTRODUCTION
Postural control is a fundamental aspect of human movement, integral to activities of daily living, sports performance, and fall
prevention 1,2. Throughout the lifespan, the ability to maintain balance and stability is constantly challenged and refined by sensory
information from the visual, vestibular, and somatosensory systems 3,4,5,6,7. However, these sensory systems do not operate in isolation.
Effective postural control integrates information from all three body systems 8. The interactions between these systems, their adaptability,
and their ability to compensate are particularly evident when sensory information is altered, whether through experimental protocols,
interventions, or changes in the natural environment 9,10,11,12,13.
This special issue of the Brazilian Journal of Motor Behavior brings together a diverse collection of research exploring how the
manipulation of sensory information affects postural control across different age groups and contexts. The articles provide insights into
specific populations, including children, athletes, individuals with neurological or developmental conditions, and older adults, highlighting
the intricate relationships between sensory input and balance mechanisms. In addition, these articles present different approaches that
employ innovative analysis techniques.
Schmuckler 14 provides a developmental perspective on how different sensory systems contribute to balance across the
lifespan. This study addresses the importance of a "multi-component" approach to postural control development, which considers the
interaction of various sensory and anthropometric factors, focusing on the relative weight of each of these factors. The research was
based on an aggregated dataset from four studies, including participants aged 3 to 11 years and young adults. The analysis used
multiple regression to predict postural sway based on two sensory systems (visual, tactile, and proprioceptive) and anthropometric
variables, such as height. Two types of coding were examined: one capturing the presence or absence of sensory stimuli, and another
quantifying the degree of stability provided by these stimuli. The findings highlight the predictive value of these factors for postural
BJMB
Brazilian Journal of Motor Behavior
Polastri, Godoi-
Jacomassi
2024
VOL.18
N.1
https://doi.org/10.20338/bjmb.v18i1.459
2 of 4
Special Issue:
“Manipulation of sensory information on postural control
performance of children, young and older adults”
stability, particularly emphasizing the role of proprioceptive information during key developmental stages. Furthermore, the analysis
underscores the effectiveness of a stability-focused coding scheme in achieving consistent prediction accuracy.
Pliner, Hezel, and Lord 15 examine the relationship between visual dependency, sensorimotor integration, and fall risk, providing
practical strategies to prevent falls among older adults aged 75 and older. This study evaluates the visual perception of verticality to
classify Visual Field Dependence (VFD). Additionally, it uses a scoring method known as the Composite Physiological Profile
Assessment (PPA), which incorporates measures of visual contrast sensitivity, lower-limb proprioception, knee extension strength,
reaction time, and sway on a compliant surface (using foam), combined with an overall fall risk score. The study suggests a potential
connection between lower limb strength, balance, and Visual Field Dependence (VFD), emphasizing its importance in preventing falls,
especially in visually complex environments.
Beyond the influence of sensory manipulations, task complexity also plays a role, highlighting the interplay between sensory
and task demands concerning the upper limbs. Magalhães et al.16 investigated the postural control performance of older adults. At the
same time, they performed grasping movements at varying levels of task difficulty, manipulating the somatosensory information using a
compliant surface (using foam). The findings indicate that postural control is affected by age. Additionally, this study reveals that task
difficulty and surface stability play crucial roles in regulating postural control across age groups, emphasizing the complex interaction
between these factors and their direct influence on postural performance.
Manipulating sensory information also helps to deepen the understanding of postural control in populations with balance
disorders. One study in this special issue addresses the changes observed in postural control in individuals with Parkinson Disease (PD)
and hemophilia. Santos et al.17 focus on the effects of different visual conditions on postural control mechanisms in individuals with PD
and healthy controls. This study combined the manipulation of visual conditions, including additional visual feedback, with data analysis
techniques from the force platform, focusing on the rambling and trembling components. This innovative and refined method enhances
the understanding of postural control mechanisms by separating the migration of a moving reference point in relation to the body’s
equilibrium (rambling), which is associated with central processes of postural control, from the center of pressure migration around the
reference point (trembling), which is associated with the peripheral mechanisms. In addition, an engaging infographic by Tchonga,
Bernardes, and Rinaldi 18 illustrates the effects of hemophilia on postural control, drawing attention to the fact that this population also
experiences balance and gait disorders. This visual representation highlights the challenges individuals with hemophilia face in
maintaining stability and raises awareness about how these disorders impact daily functioning. By showing the relationship between
impaired postural control and the physical limitations associated with hemophilia, Tchonga and colleagues 18 contribute to a broader
understanding of how balance disorders affect individuals with this condition—an often-overlooked aspect of their health.
Building on the concept of improving postural control, Lemos et al.19 reinforce the idea that physical exercise may be an
important preventive strategy to reduce the occurrence of falls, as it reduces postural sway. Physically active and inactive older women
were assessed using the Sensory Organization Test. This study highlights the importance of considering both the aging process and
individual characteristics, particularly a person's level of physical activity.
Finally, in addition to physical exercise, innovative approaches like neurostimulation and advanced training methods are
gaining attention for their potential to influence postural control. For this special issue, Moura et al. 20 propose a protocol of a double-blind,
placebo-controlled, crossover clinical trial to examine the immediate effects of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) in the primary
motor cortex and the cerebellum on postural control in children with Developmental coordination disorder (DCD) and with typical
development (TD). Postural balance will be assessed by posturography with and without visual and somatosensory system manipulation
immediately before and after each tDCS session. The authors outline innovative methods to explore the potential of neuromodulation in
postural control in children with DCD and TD. This approach may provide valuable insights into the roles of the cerebellum and the motor
cortex in postural control which can support intervention programs for children with DCD.
Likewise, Cantusio et al. 21 are exploring training methods for their potential to improve postural control in dynamic settings. The
authors investigate the effectiveness of multiplanar trunk resistance in enhancing dynamic postural control during single-leg jumps in
female college athletes who performed poorly in a single-leg squat test. These methods focus on strengthening the muscles and neural
mechanisms involved in maintaining balance across various planes of movement, presenting promising strategies for improving postural
stability in both clinical and athletic populations.
FUTURE DIRECTIONS AND IMPLICATIONS
The studies presented in this special issue underscore the complexity of postural control and several factors that contribute to
maintaining balance across the lifespan. As we move forward, it is clear that further exploration of how sensory integration and task
demands influence postural control will be essential for designing effective interventions for diverse populations, from children to older
adults. The findings highlight the need for continued investigation into the interactions between sensory systems, as well as how these
interactions are influenced by age, health conditions, and environmental factors.
A promising direction for future research is the continued exploration of neurostimulation techniques, such as tDCS, to improve
postural control, particularly in populations with developmental or neurological disorders. Furthermore, physical activity, particularly
exercises that enhance sensory integration, remains an effective strategy for improving postural control. In parallel, the investigation of
BJMB
Brazilian Journal of Motor Behavior
Polastri, Godoi-
Jacomassi
2024
VOL.18
N.1
https://doi.org/10.20338/bjmb.v18i1.459
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Special Issue:
“Manipulation of sensory information on postural control
performance of children, young and older adults”
training methods, such as multiplanar resistance training, offers promising prospects for examining dynamic postural control.
Researchers could also focus on exploring the application of innovative methods in protocol design, data processing, and data
analysis to other populations with balance disorders, expanding our understanding of how specific impairments influence postural control.
Additionally, investigating interventions and protocols that use sensory manipulation may provide valuable insights into rehabilitation
strategies for individuals with conditions such as PD, hemophilia, and beyond. These findings may have significant implications for
developing personalized therapeutic approaches aimed at improving balance and reducing the risk of falls in these populations.
Lastly, interdisciplinary collaborations that merge knowledge from biomechanics, neuroscience, and rehabilitation science are
likely to produce the most effective strategies for assessing postural control performance. By considering how sensory systems,
neurostimulation, physical activity, and task complexity interact, researchers and clinicians can develop more tailored interventions for
individuals with balance deficits. This approach aims to enhance quality of life and reduce the risk of falls throughout the lifespan.
We extend our gratitude to the authors, reviewers, and members of the editorial board who contributed to this special issue.
Their collective contributions have helped advance scientific understanding and offer valuable insights that may have important
implications for health, performance, and well-being throughout the lifespan. We hope this special issue inspires further inquiry and
innovation in this area of study.
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BJMB
Brazilian Journal of Motor Behavior
Polastri, Godoi-
Jacomassi
2024
VOL.18
N.1
https://doi.org/10.20338/bjmb.v18i1.459
4 of 4
Special Issue:
“Manipulation of sensory information on postural control
performance of children, young and older adults”
20. Moura MCDS, Hazime FA, Baptista AF, Oliveira JA, Hasue RH. Study protocol: Responsiveness of postural control of children with and without a
developmental coordination disorder after Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation. Brazilian Journal of Motor Behavior. 2024;18. doi:
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21. Cantusio LM, Ribeiro R, Misuta MS, Sarro LJ. How the multiplanar trunk resistance affects the dynamic postural control during single-leg vertical
jumps in college athletes with poor movement quality. Brazilian Journal of Motor Behavior. 2024;18. doi: 10.20338/bjmb.v18i1.385
Citation: Polastri PF, Godoi-Jacomassi D. (2024). Editorial: Manipulation of Sensory Information on Postural Control Performance of Children, Young and Older Adults.
Brazilian Journal of Motor Behavior, 18(1):e459.
Editor-in-chief: Dr Fabio Augusto Barbieri - São Paulo State University (UNESP), Bauru, SP, Brazil.
Associate editors: Dr José Angelo Barela - São Paulo State University (UNESP), Rio Claro, SP, Brazil; Dr Natalia Madalena Rinaldi - Federal University of Espírito Santo
(UFES), Vitória, ES, Brazil; Dr Renato de Moraes – University of São Paulo (USP), Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil.
Copyright:© 2024 Polastri and Godoi-Jacomassi and BJMB. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution-Non
Commercial-No Derivatives 4.0 International License which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source
are credited.
Funding: This research did not receive any specific grant from funding agencies in the public, commercial, or not-for-profit sectors and did not involve clinical trials.
Competing interests: The authors have declared that no competing interests exist.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.20338/bjmb.v18i1.459
