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Updated: Jun 24, 2026
08:12
Experimental Methods to Study Human Postural Control
Published on: September 11, 2019
A mechanism for sensory re-weighting in postural control
Arash Mahboobin1, Patrick Loughlin, Chris Atkeson
1Department of Bioengineering, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA. arm19@pitt.edu
Medical & Biological Engineering & Computing
|March 28, 2009
Summary
Human balance relies on dynamic sensory re-weighting for postural control. This study introduces a new model demonstrating automatic sensory re-weighting that accurately simulates experimental human balance data.
Area of Science:
- Biomechanics
- Neuroscience
- Robotics
Background:
- Human balance control involves integrating sensory information.
- This integration is dynamically adjusted via sensory re-weighting.
- Previous models focused on manual sensory re-weighting.
Purpose of the Study:
- To propose and validate a computational model of automatic sensory re-weighting for postural control.
- To demonstrate the physiological plausibility and implementability of automatic sensory re-weighting.
- To compare model simulations with experimental human balance data.
Main Methods:
- Adaptation of a prior sensory feedback model.
- Incorporation of automatic sensory re-weighting mechanisms.
- Simulation of postural control under varying sensory conditions.
Main Results:
- The proposed model successfully implements automatic sensory re-weighting.
- Model simulations closely matched experimental postural sway data.
- The model replicated patterns observed in human balance experiments.
Conclusions:
- Automatic sensory re-weighting is a viable strategy for postural control.
- The developed model provides a robust simulation of human balance.
- This work advances our understanding of sensory integration in motor control.
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