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Updated: Jun 1, 2026
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Experimental Methods to Study Human Postural Control
Published on: September 11, 2019
Modelling 3D control of upright stance using an optimal control strategy
1School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, BLK N3 North Spine Nanyang Avenue, Singapore 639798. xdqu@ntu.edu.sg
Summary
This study presents a 3D balance control model for quiet upright stance using optimal control. The model accurately simulates human postural sway, demonstrating its effectiveness in understanding balance control mechanisms.
Area of Science:
- Biomechanics
- Neuroscience
- Robotics
Background:
- Maintaining upright stance requires complex balance control.
- Human postural sway involves multi-directional movements.
- Optimal control strategies are hypothesized for neural control of posture.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and evaluate a 3D balance control model for quiet upright stance.
- To simulate postural sway in anterior-posterior and medial-lateral directions.
- To assess the model's accuracy against experimental data.
Main Methods:
- Represented the human body as a two-segment inverted pendulum.
- Utilized an optimal control strategy for neural controller simulation.
- Employed an optimization procedure to determine model parameters like sensory delay and disturbance gains.
- Simulated postural sway using center-of-pressure (COP)-based measures.
Main Results:
- The model accurately simulated 3D postural sway behaviors.
- Normalized COP-based measures showed no significant differences from experimental references (confidence intervals included unity).
- Mean normalized errors for traditional measures were below 8%, and for statistical mechanics measures were approximately 3-66%.
Conclusions:
- The proposed 3D balance control model effectively simulates human postural sway.
- The model provides a valuable tool for studying balance control mechanisms.
- Optimal control principles appear fundamental to human postural stability.
