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Neural control of walking balance: if falling then react else continue
1Sensory-Motor Research Laboratory, Department of Occupational Therapy and Centre for Neuroscience, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada. john.misiaszek@ualberta.ca
Exercise and Sport Sciences Reviews
|July 11, 2006
Summary
The nervous system quickly selects corrective reactions for balance using a rule-based model. Spinal interneurons are key to preselecting these essential walking balance responses.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Biomechanics
- Motor Control
Background:
- Regaining balance during walking involves numerous corrective reactions.
- The rapid selection of appropriate balance responses by the nervous system is crucial for stability.
Purpose of the Study:
- To propose a rule-based finite state control system model for simplifying the selection of corrective balance reactions.
- To investigate the role of spinal interneurons in preselecting these reactions.
Main Methods:
- Development of a computational model simulating a rule-based finite state control system.
- Analysis of the proposed model's implications for spinal interneuron function.
Main Results:
- A rule-based finite state control system effectively simplifies the selection of balance recovery strategies.
- The model suggests that groups of spinal interneurons play a significant role in preselecting appropriate reactions.
Conclusions:
- Spinal interneurons are likely integral to the nervous system's rapid decision-making process for maintaining balance during locomotion.
- This model provides a framework for understanding the neural control of dynamic balance.