To evaluate the impact of watching a video sequence in a virtual reality helmet and on a TV screen on a person’s postural stability

The paper presents an analysis of changes in postural stability when a person is presented with a video sequence in a virtual reality helmet and from a TV screen. Postural stability was assessed using a computer stabilometer complex. Changes in the stabilometric indicators compared with control tests (before viewing) were shown for both cases (watching videos on the screen and in a virtual reality helmet). Besides, viewing a video sequence in a virtual reality helmet had a greater impact on the instability. While watching a video from a TV screen and in a virtual reality helmet, the contribution of visual information to maintaining balance in the sagittal plane decreased. However, while watching from the TV screen, the contribution of vestibular information for posture control increased. When viewed with virtual reality helmet, the contribution of somatosensory information and the cerebellum increased. The results may suggest that virtual reality requires more conscious corrective mechanisms to stabilize posture.