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A Modified Lean and Release Technique to Emphasize Response Inhibition and Action Selection in Reactive Balance

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Movement patterns underlying first trial responses in human balance corrections.

K-S Tang¹, F Honegger, J H J Allum

¹Department of ORL, University Hospital, Basel, Switzerland.

|September 18, 2012

Summary

The first trial effect in balance responses to support surface tilts shows directional characteristics, not just a startle response. Specific movement strategies are employed, with lateral responses being directionally sensitive.

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Area of Science:

Biomechanics
Neuroscience
Human Movement Science

Background:

The first trial effect (FTE) describes the difference between an initial unpractised response and subsequent practiced responses.
Investigated whether the FTE in postural control to support surface tilts is direction-dependent or a general startle response.

Purpose of the Study:

To determine if the first trial effect (FTE) in postural responses to support surface tilt has directional properties.
To differentiate between a directional FTE and a generalized startle response.

Main Methods:

Young adults received identical support surface tilts in various directions (forward, backward, lateral).
Body kinematics and electromyography (EMG) of multiple muscles were recorded.
Responses were analyzed for the first trial response (FTR) compared to subsequent trials.

Main Results:

A FTE was observed in center of mass (CoM) displacement across all tilt directions.
FTE magnitude varied with tilt direction, being smaller for forward and lateral tilts compared to backward tilts.
Specific muscle activation patterns (e.g., abdominal, soleus, gluteus medius, deltoid, sternocleidomastoideus) showed directional FTEs, suggesting distinct motor strategies.

Conclusions:

First trial responses (FTRs) involve distinct forward, backward, or lateral movement strategies superimposed on adapted responses.
Lateral responses exhibit significant directional sensitivity.
Hypothesized that FTEs arise from the central nervous system's (CNS) improper weighting of proprioceptive and vestibular inputs.