A Review of the Significance of Vision in the Remediation of Balance Control and Associated Falls Avoidance
Background: Loss of balance and falls are the primary cause of accidental death in persons over 65 years of age. This review examines the role of visual functions in the maintenance of a balanced posture and associated fall avoidance, including how visual functions interact with proprioceptive, tactile, vestibular and cognitive factors under a range of environmental circumstances and conditions. Methods: Reference to relevant articles from a wide range of sources were used to examine how vision functions are usually integrated with other senses in avoiding falls. Results: Under most conditions vision can make an important contribution to posture control and fall avoidance although such contributions have not always been recognized in the past. However, successful balance training has been shown to be associated with multi-component programs. Conclusions: Given the complexity of posture control and the multiple changes (physiological- and disease-related) which occur with age, as well as the capacity for different professional groups to contribute more or less dissimilar fall prevention strategies, it is not surprising that there appears to be great potential for improved interdisciplinary coordination of remedial interventions which reduce the risk of fall-related injuries and death. Similarly, overcoming age- or frailty-related difficulties in standing from a seated position can be best handled by interdisciplinary approaches.