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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 27, 2026

Experimental Methods to Study Human Postural Control

Experimental Methods to Study Human Postural Control

Published on: September 11, 2019

Posture, dynamic stability, and voluntary movement.

S Bouisset¹, M-C Do

¹UFR-STAPS, université Paris-Sud-11, rue Langevin, 91405 Orsay, France. simon.bouisset@u-psud.fr

Neurophysiologie Clinique = Clinical Neurophysiology

|November 26, 2008

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

Voluntary movement is possible without falling by using postural adjustments. This study explores anticipatory postural adjustments and posturokinetic capacity for balance control.

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Area of Science:

Biomechanics
Human Physiology
Motor Control

Background:

Voluntary movements inherently perturb balance.
Understanding the mechanisms of balance maintenance during movement is crucial.
Existing research has explored various aspects of postural control.

Purpose of the Study:

To explain how humans maintain balance during voluntary movements.
To investigate the role of postural adjustments in preventing falls.
To introduce and explore the concept of posturokinetic capacity.

Main Methods:

A joint biomechanical and physiological approach was employed.
The study is divided into three parts: theoretical framework, postural adjustments, and posturokinetic capacity.
Experimental studies form the basis for the theoretical framework.

Main Results:

Postural adjustments (PAs) are categorized, with a focus on anticipatory postural adjustments (APAs).
The concept of posturokinetic capacity (PKC) is explored.
Data on APAs are presented, highlighting their significance in balance control.

Conclusions:

Voluntary movement and balance are reconciled through specific physiological and biomechanical mechanisms.
Anticipatory postural adjustments play a key role in proactive balance control.
Posturokinetic capacity offers a framework for understanding and potentially enhancing balance during dynamic activities.