Investigating the Influence of Varying Surface Conditions on Human Postural Control and Sensory Integration Strategies

This study investigated the effects of different surface conditions on postural stability in response to unexpected perturbations. Thirty healthy adults underwent balance assessments on flat, incline ramp, balance pad, and balance pad on incline ramp surfaces. The center of pressure (COP) displacement in the mediolateral (ML) and anteroposterior (AP) directions, the velocity, and the area were measured. We found that the flat and ramp conditions resulted in significantly lower COP ML (F(3, 87) = 38.272, < 0.001, ηp = 0.569) and AP displacements (F(3, 87) = 89.177, < 0.001, ηp = 0.755), velocity (F(3, 87) = 89.177, < 0.001, ηp = 0.755), and area (F(3, 87) = 52.659, < 0.001, ηp = 0.645) compared to the balance pad and balance pad on ramp conditions ( < 0.05). The use of a balance pad, particularly on a ramp, significantly increased all the COP measurements, suggesting greater challenges to postural control. Through these findings, we demonstrate the adaptability and limitations of the human postural control system in response to varying surface conditions and perturbations.