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Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 11, 2026

Experimental Methods to Study Human Postural Control
08:12

Experimental Methods to Study Human Postural Control

Published on: September 11, 2019

Age differences in the control of postural stability during reaching tasks.

Min-Hui Huang1, Susan H Brown

  • 1Physical Therapy Department, School of Health Professions and Studies, University of Michigan - Flint, United States.

Gait & Posture
|May 11, 2013
PubMed
Summary

Older adults show larger anticipatory postural adjustments (APAs) but reduced control of the center of pressure (COP) during reaching tasks. This age-related decline in dynamic balance impacts postural stability, especially during low target reaches.

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Area of Science:

  • Gerontology
  • Biomechanics
  • Neuroscience

Background:

  • Reaching tasks necessitate anticipatory postural adjustments (APAs) for stability.
  • Aging can impair APAs, leading to balance issues during dynamic movements like reaching.
  • Understanding age-related changes in postural control is crucial for fall prevention.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate age-related differences in postural control during reaching tasks.
  • To analyze how target height affects postural adjustments and balance in young versus older adults.
  • To identify specific age-related deficits in dynamic balance during reaching.

Main Methods:

  • Compared postural control in 14 young adults and 16 older adults during a reaching task.
  • Analyzed center of pressure (COP) displacement, trajectory smoothness, and path length.
Keywords:
AgingCenter of pressureDynamic balancePostureReaching

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Last Updated: May 11, 2026

Experimental Methods to Study Human Postural Control
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Published on: September 11, 2019

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  • Assessed four phases: APA production, reach, return, and recovery.

    • Main Results:

    • Older adults exhibited greater APA amplitude and COP path length during recovery than young adults.
    • Dynamic balance, measured by COP trajectory smoothness, was diminished in older adults.
    • Both groups showed increased APA amplitude and decreased COP smoothness for low target reaches.

    Conclusions:

    • Older adults demonstrate compensatory APA strategies but have compromised COP control during reaching.
    • Aging negatively impacts dynamic balance, particularly in challenging tasks like reaching for low targets.
    • Findings inform clinical assessments and balance training programs for older populations.