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Hypnotizability-dependent modulation of postural control: effects of alteration of the visual and leg proprioceptive inputs

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Abstract

The aim of the experiment was to investigate whether the peculiar attentional/imagery abilities associated with susceptibility to hypnosis might make postural control in highly hypnotizable subjects (Highs) that are less vulnerable to sensory alteration than in individuals with low hypnotic susceptibility (Lows). The movement of the centre of pression (CoP) was monitored in Highs and Lows during alteration of the visual and leg proprioceptive input. The two groups responded differently to eyes closure and to an unstable support and the CoP movement was generally larger and faster in Highs. The stabilogram diffusion analysis indicated a different set point in Highs and Lows and suggested that the former are more independent of specific sensory information than the latter, likely due to different abilities in sensory re-weighting and/or peculiar internal models of postural control. The results are discussed within the general perspective of high pervasiveness of the hypnotizability trait, which modulates cognitive, autonomic and somatic functions.

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Acknowledgments

The research was funded by the Italian Space Agency (ASI-DCMC project). We are grateful to Dr. P. Christie for revising the English text.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Human Physiology, University of Pisa, Via San Zeno, 31, 56127, Pisa, Italy

    Enrica Laura Santarcangelo, E. Scattina, A. Macerata & D. Manzoni

  2. Department of Physiology, University of Siena, Siena, Italy

    G. Carli

  3. Institute of Clinical Physiology, National Council of Research, Pisa, Italy

    A. Macerata

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  1. Enrica Laura Santarcangelo
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  2. E. Scattina
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Correspondence to Enrica Laura Santarcangelo.

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Santarcangelo, E.L., Scattina, E., Carli, G. et al. Hypnotizability-dependent modulation of postural control: effects of alteration of the visual and leg proprioceptive inputs. Exp Brain Res 191, 331–340 (2008). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00221-008-1526-2

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