Static Postural Stability is Normal in Dyslexic Children

Abstract

Vestibular dysfunction has been hypothesized to play a role in the genesis of dyslexia. The vestibular system consists of two components; the semi-circular canals, which detect rotational accelerations of the head, and the otoliths, which detect linear accelerations of the head. Postural stability is dependent upon the integrity of the otolith systems, as well as upon cerebellar and spinal function. We report the results of an experiment on 15 dyslexics and 23 carefully matched control subjects, examining their ability to maintain a standing posture with eyes open and closed, and with standard and tandem foot placement. There are no differences between the groups under any of the conditions tested. Further, the groups do not differ in the way in which they use visual information to maintain their posture.

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