Birren, J. E. (1945). Static equilibrium and vestibular function. Journal of Experimental Psychology, 35(2), 127-133.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1037/h0058240
Possible relations between vestibular function and body sway were investigated (a) by measuring body sway and by other observations on a male subject showing complete loss of vestibular function and (b) by observation of vestibular function, Bárány chair tests, and body sway in 45 subjects with intact labyrinth. While the biologically defective subject showed marked body sway on the first test, he nevertheless maintained his balance standing erect with eyes both open and closed. One month later postural control was so far improved that the record could not be classed as pathological. For the 45 subjects, none of the correlation coefficients obtained between body sway measurements, eyes open or closed, and nystagmus time were significantly greater than zero. These results are interpreted to indicate that postural control in man may exist despite loss of vestibular function; that measurements of body sway cannot be used to diagnose vestibular defects; that postural deficiencies resulting from loss of vestibular functioning may be compensated for; and that there is a lack of complete dependence of posture on vestibular functions. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2016 APA, all rights reserved)