Effects of head motion on postural stability in healthy young adults with chronic motion sensitivity

Abdulaziz A. Albalwi; Eric G. Johnson; Ahmad A. Alharbi; Noha S. Daher; Tim K. Cordett; Oluwaseun I. Ambode; Fahad H. Alshehri

doi:10.1186/s40945-020-00077-9

Authors

Abdulaziz A. Albalwi Department of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, Tabuk University, Duba Road, Tabuk 71491, Saudi Arabia
Eric G. Johnson Department of Physical Therapy, School of Allied Health Professions, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA, USA
Ahmad A. Alharbi Department of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, Tabuk University, Duba Road, Tabuk 71491, Saudi Arabia
Noha S. Daher Department of Allied Health Studies, School of Allied Health Professions, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA, USA
Tim K. Cordett Department of Physical Therapy, School of Allied Health Professions, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA, USA
Oluwaseun I. Ambode Department of Physical Therapy, School of Allied Health Professions, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA, USA
Fahad H. Alshehri Department of Physical Therapy, School of Allied Health Professions, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA, USA

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.1186/s40945-020-00077-9

Keywords:

Motion sensitivity, Postural stability, Equilibrium, Head motion

Abstract

Background: Motion sensitivity, or motion sickness, is common in modern vehicular and visually stimulating environments. Several studies have shown a relationship between motion sensitivity and decreased postural stability. We aimed to evaluate the effects of head motion (horizontal and vertical) on postural stability in healthy adults with and without chronic motion sensitivity (CMS). Methods: Sixty healthy adult men and women (age, 20–40 years) with CMS (CMS group, n = 30) and without CMS (non-CMS group, n = 30) participated in the study. Postural stability was assessed during three conditions (static, horizontal head motion, and vertical head motion) using computerized dynamic posturography. Group and condition-related differences in equilibrium scores were evaluated. Results: There was no significant group x condition interaction (F2,114 = 0.9, partial ƞ2 = 0.04, p = 0.35). However, significant condition-related differences in equilibrium scores were observed (F2,114 = 26.4, partial ƞ2 = 0.31, p < 0.001). Equilibrium scores were significantly worse in the horizontal and vertical head motion conditions compared to those in the static condition (p < 0.001), but were comparable in vertical and horizontal head motion conditions (p = 0.27). Conclusions: Postural stability was lower in the horizontal and vertical conditions compared to the static condition. However, horizontal and vertical head motions had comparable effects on postural stability in both CMS and non- CMS groups, contrary to our expectations.