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Updated: Jun 21, 2026

Experimental Methods to Study Human Postural Control
Published on: September 11, 2019
Optimal coordination and control of posture and movements
Rolf Johansson1, Per-Anders Fransson, Måns Magnusson
1Department of Automatic Control, Lund University, Lund, Sweden. Rolf.Johansson@control.lth.se
This study introduces a novel theoretical model for posture and locomotion control, offering minimum effort motion strategies. The model integrates optimal and adaptive control for enhanced stability and coordination in systems like prostheses.
Area of Science:
- Robotics and Control Systems
- Biomechanics
- Computational Neuroscience
Background:
- Posture and locomotion control are complex processes involving stability and coordination.
- Existing models often struggle with uncertain system parameters and require experimental validation.
- Developing robust control algorithms is crucial for advanced robotics and neuroprosthetics.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present a theoretical model for stability and coordination of posture and locomotion.
- To develop algorithms for continuous-time quadratic optimization of motion control.
- To investigate the integration of optimal and adaptive control for robust system performance.
Main Methods:
- Formulation of a theoretical model for posture and locomotion.
- Application of continuous-time quadratic optimization for motion control.
- Utilizing Hamilton-Jacobi equations and Lyapunov function theory for stability analysis.
- Integration of optimal and adaptive control strategies for handling system uncertainties.
Main Results:
- Explicit solutions for optimal control of rigid-body motion derived from an algebraic matrix equation.
- Demonstration of global asymptotic stability using Lyapunov function theory.
- Development of motion strategies characterized by minimum effort and variance.
- Successful validation with experimental data, confirming the model's efficacy.
Conclusions:
- The proposed model provides a robust framework for controlling posture and locomotion.
- The integration of optimal and adaptive control enhances stability and adaptability in uncertain environments.
- The algorithm is suitable for controlling functional neuromuscular stimulation and advanced prostheses.
- The model serves as a valuable tool for experimental validation and verification in biomechanics and robotics.
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