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Related Experiment Videos

On the functional aspects of variability in postural control.

Richard E A van Emmerik1, Erwin E H van Wegen

  • 1Department of Exercise Science, University of Massachusetts, Amherst 01003, USA. rvanemmerik@excsci.umass.edu

Exercise and Sport Sciences Reviews
|October 26, 2002
PubMed
Summary

High variability, once seen as negative, may actually improve performance. Reduced variability is linked to balance issues in aging and neurological conditions, challenging old views.

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Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Dynamical Systems Theory

Background:

  • Traditional views associate high variability with poor performance and pathology.
  • Emerging research suggests variability may serve a functional role.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To challenge the traditional perspective on variability in performance.
  • To explore the functional role of variability in postural control.
  • To investigate the link between reduced variability and balance deficits.

Main Methods:

  • Review of current research in nonlinear dynamics and chaos theory.
  • Analysis of studies on postural control and variability.
  • Examination of evidence linking variability changes to aging and neurological disease.

Main Results:

Related Experiment Videos

  • Variability may play a functional role in maintaining balance.
  • Reduced variability is associated with impaired balance.
  • This challenges the long-held belief that high variability is always detrimental.

Conclusions:

  • High variability is not necessarily indicative of poor performance or pathology.
  • Variability is crucial for effective postural control.
  • Changes in variability are significant indicators of balance impairments in aging and neurological disorders.