The effect of changes in body mass distribution on feed-forward postural control: a pilot study

Area of Science:

• Biomechanics
• Human Physiology
• Kinesiology

Background:

• Rising global rates of overweight and obesity present public health challenges.
• Limited research exists on how significant body weight fluctuations impact postural control.
• Understanding these effects is crucial for addressing mobility and balance issues in changing body masses.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the impact of simulated body mass increases on feed-forward postural control.
• To quantify changes in muscle activity and body sway during a dynamic task.
• To provide insights into the biomechanical adaptations to altered body weight.

Main Methods:

• Simulated overweight and obesity by adding 20% and 40% body weight to participants.
• Recorded electromyogram (EMG) activity from leg and trunk muscles.
• Utilized force platform data to measure center of pressure (COP) displacements during a load catching task.

Main Results:

• A 20% and 40% increase in body weight led to enhanced feed-forward postural control.
• Significant increases in center of pressure (COP) displacements were observed with added weight.
• EMG data analysis revealed altered muscle activation patterns in response to weight changes.

Conclusions:

• Increased body mass, simulated through added weight, enhances feed-forward postural control mechanisms.
• Altered body weight significantly affects postural stability, indicated by increased COP displacements.
• These findings highlight the body's adaptive strategies to manage changes in mass for maintaining balance.