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The effect of extended wake on postural control in young adults

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Abstract

The sleep–wake cycle is a major determinant of locomotor activity in humans, and the neural and physiological processes necessary for optimum postural control may be impaired by an extension of the wake period into habitual sleep time. There is growing evidence for such a contribution from sleep-related factors, but great inconsistency in the methods used to assess this contribution, particularly in control for circadian phase position. Postural control was assessed at hourly intervals across 14 h of extended wake in nine young adult participants. Force plate parameters of medio-lateral and anterior–posterior sway, centre of pressure (CoP) trace length, area, and velocity were assessed with eyes open and eyes closed over 3-min periods. A standard measure of psychomotor vigilance was assessed concurrently under constant routine conditions. After controlling for individual differences in circadian phase position, a significant effect of extended wake was found for anterior–posterior sway and for psychomotor vigilance. These data suggest that extended wake may increase the risk of a fall or other consequences of impaired postural control.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Institute for Health and Biomedical Innovation, Queensland University of Technology, Kelvin Grove, QLD, 4059, Australia

    Simon S. Smith, Tiffany Cheng & Graham K. Kerr

  2. CARRS-Q, Queensland University of Technology, K Block, Kelvin Grove Campus, 130 Victoria Park Road, Kelvin Grove, QLD, 4059, Australia

    Simon S. Smith

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  1. Simon S. Smith
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  2. Tiffany Cheng
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Correspondence to Simon S. Smith.

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Smith, S.S., Cheng, T. & Kerr, G.K. The effect of extended wake on postural control in young adults. Exp Brain Res 221, 329–335 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00221-012-3175-8

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00221-012-3175-8

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