Postural Control Mechanisms in Healthy Adults in Sitting and Standing Positions

This study explored differences in the center of pressure in healthy people in a sitting and standing position and with eyes open and closed. With this purpose, 32 healthy participants (16 men, 16 women; M age = 25.2 yr., SD = 10.0, range = 18–55) were measured with an extensiometric force plate. Using a two–way repeated-measures multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA), the root mean square, velocity, range, and sway, in both visual conditions, had higher values in the standing task than in the sitting task. In the frequency domain, the low-frequency band had higher values during the standing task. For control mechanism variables, mean distance and time were greater when standing while mean peaks were greater when sitting. Thus, stability is worse in the standing position and more neuromuscular activity is required to maintain balance.