Potential Effects of Sleep Deprivation on Sensorimotor Integration during Quiet Stance in Young Adults

The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of sleep deprivation and rest on postural control. It was hypothesized that significant increases in COP deviations will occur after sleep deprivation. Methods. Four healthy adults (age= 21.50 years; mass= 68.93 kg) participated in two protocols involving sleep and sleep-deprivation. Within each condition multiple 40s impairments of visual, somatosensory, and/or vestibular sensory feedback were performed. Balance was quantified using root-mean-square (RMS) of the centre of pressure (COP) and COP Variance. Results. Two-way ANOVA demonstrated no significant effect of sleep deprivation on balance between sensory insults. Paired t-tests were performed nonetheless and revealed significant differences within the sleep-deprived condition. COP RMS and Variance were significantly greater medio-laterally with all systems impaired (ALL) (3.43 ± 0.63 mm,