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Related Experiment Videos

Dynamics of human postural transitions.

Benoît G Bardy1, Olivier Oullier, Reinoud J Bootsma

  • 1Research Center in Sport Sciences, University of Paris-Sud XI, Orsay, France. benoit.bardy@staps.u-psud.fr

Journal of Experimental Psychology. Human Perception and Performance
|June 22, 2002
PubMed
Summary

Human body posture transitions follow principles of pattern formation. This study reveals that changes in coordination modes during stance exhibit characteristics of nonequilibrium phase transitions, suggesting self-organization in complex systems.

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Area of Science:

  • Biomechanics
  • Dynamical Systems Theory
  • Human Motor Control

Background:

  • Coordination modes in human stance are crucial for stability.
  • Dynamical theories propose that coordination patterns emerge from self-organization.
  • Understanding transitions between these modes is key to understanding motor control flexibility.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate transitions between postural coordination modes during human stance.
  • To test if these transitions align with principles of nonequilibrium phase transitions.
  • To explore the role of self-organization and dynamical principles in posture control.

Main Methods:

  • Two experiments were conducted involving standing participants.
  • Participants tracked a moving target using their head.

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  • Analysis focused on identifying emergent properties of coordination dynamics.

    • Main Results:

    • Observed changes in body coordination were consistent with nonequilibrium phase transitions.
    • Key characteristics observed include multistability, bifurcation, critical fluctuations, hysteresis, and critical slowing down.
    • Results support the hypothesis of self-organized pattern formation in postural control.

    Conclusions:

    • Human posture appears to be organized by dynamical principles.
    • Findings suggest common principles govern pattern formation and flexibility across complex systems.
    • Postural coordination transitions can be understood through the lens of phase transitions.