Role of somatosensory input in the control of human posture

In this study we investigated the effects of somatosensory deficits on the control of balance during quiet stance using subjects with demonstrated loss of sensation to touch, joint movement perception, proprioception, and other somatosensory stimuli secondary to diabetic neuropathy. The results indicate that somatosensory deficits resulting from diabetic neuropathy lead to a marked decrease in the ability to maintain a stable stance position. Furthermore, this study clearly demonstrates that somatosensory function is at least as important as vision in the control of posture during quiet stance, and that the visual and vestibular systems cannot fully compensate for diminished somatosensory input.