Ocular position and body balance variation: a pilot study

Aim The aim of this study was to test whether the change of eye position, through prismatic lenses, modify the center of pressure (CoP) in an upright position. Methods Were recruited 35 subjects practicing football (age 11 ± 3 years, weight 40 ± 14 kg, height 144 ± 17 cm). The measurements performed on baropodometric platform (BTS SpA, Milan, Italy) placed at 90 cm from an optical reference situated at the height of the Frankfort plane of the examined subject. Were performed 5 tests of a duration of 30sec.: the first at baseline and four further with the use of optical prisms placed high, low, left and right. Results The data show a statistically significant change (Friedman ANOVA, p <0.05), in the CoP Y (Dunn post-hoc, Baseline vs Low Base, p<0,05, + 9%). Conclusions An experimental modification on the visual system is able to influence the COP. Dysfunction of the ocular receptor can modify the body balance and sport performance. Their correction, through visual training, can improve the accuracy in shooting sports and peripheral vision.