Impact of Visual Input and Kinesiophobia on Postural Control and Quality of Life in Older Adults During One-Leg Standing Tasks

Visual conditions significantly influence fear of movement (FOM), which is a condition that impairs postural control and quality of life (QOL). This study examined how visual conditions influence sway velocity during repeated one-leg standing tasks and explored the potential relationship between postural control, FOM, and QOL in older adults with and without FOM. Thirty-seven older adults with FOM and 37 controls participated in the study. Postural sway velocity was measured across three repeated trials under visual conditions in both anteroposterior (AP) and mediolateral (ML) directions. The groups demonstrated significant interaction under visual conditions (F = 7.43, <i>p</i> = 0.01). In the eyes-closed condition, the FOM group exhibited faster ML sway velocity than the control group, with significant differences across all three trials. There was a significant interaction between sway direction and vision (F = 27.41, <i>p</i> = 0.001). In addition, the FOM demonstrated strong negative correlations with several QOL measures on social functioning (r = -0.69, <i>p</i> = 0.001) and role limitations due to emotional problems (r = -0.58, <i>p</i> = 0.001) in the FOM group. While FOM influenced sway velocity during balance tasks, visual input emerged as a key determinant of postural control. The FOM group demonstrated a heightened reliance on vision, suggesting an increased need for vision-dependent strategies to maintain balance.