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Updated: Jun 16, 2026
08:12
Experimental Methods to Study Human Postural Control
Published on: September 11, 2019
Imaging supraspinal locomotor control in balance disorders
1Department of Neurology, University of Munich, Klinikum Grosshadern, Klinikum Grosshadern, Marchioninistr.15, 81377 Munich, Germany. klaus.jahn@med.uni-muenchen.de
Restorative Neurology and Neuroscience
|January 21, 2010
Summary
Understanding the human brain
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Human Locomotion
- Gait Disorders
Background:
- Neurological gait disorders and vestibular syndromes present with dizziness and unsteadiness.
- Understanding physiological control of posture and gait is crucial for effective rehabilitation.
- Locomotor regions, identified in cats, are increasingly recognized in humans.
Purpose of the Study:
- To visualize the human supraspinal network controlling posture and gait using functional neuroimaging.
- To review current understanding of locomotor regions and their role in gait disorders.
- To inform physical therapy for vestibular disorders and conditions like Parkinson's disease.
Main Methods:
- Functional neuroimaging techniques were employed to visualize neural networks.
- Analysis of posture and gait patterns in healthy subjects and patients.
- Review of existing literature on supraspinal locomotor control.
Main Results:
- Hierarchic network for postural control has been visualized.
- Mesencephalic, subthalamic, and cerebellar locomotor regions identified in humans.
- Multisensory cortical areas are inhibited during locomotion, relevant for therapy.
Conclusions:
- The supraspinal network for locomotion is key to understanding gait disorders.
- Functional imaging aids in visualizing this network.
- Therapeutic strategies, like physical therapy and deep brain stimulation, can be informed by this research.
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