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Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 11, 2026

Experimental Methods to Study Human Postural Control

Experimental Methods to Study Human Postural Control

Published on: September 11, 2019

A postural reflex evoked by brief axial accelerations.

Sophie Graus¹, Sendhil Govender, James G Colebatch

¹Prince of Wales Clinical School, University of New South Wales, Randwick, Sydney, NSW, 2031, Australia.

Experimental Brain Research

|May 22, 2013

Summary

This study investigated postural reflexes evoked by trunk accelerations. The findings suggest these reflexes are not primarily vestibular and play a role in maintaining upright stability.

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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

An Instrumented Pull Test to Characterize Postural Responses

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Published on: April 6, 2019

Postural Organization of Gait Initiation for Biomechanical Analysis Using Force Platform Recordings

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Published on: July 26, 2022

Area of Science:

Neuroscience
Biomechanics
Human Physiology

Background:

Postural stability relies on complex sensorimotor integration.
The role of vestibular input in trunk-evoked postural reflexes is not fully understood.

Purpose of the Study:

To characterize the properties of a postural reflex evoked by impulsive trunk accelerations.
To investigate the afferent pathways involved in this reflex, particularly the contribution of vestibular versus non-vestibular systems.

Main Methods:

Electromyographic (EMG) activity of soleus muscles was recorded in healthy subjects and avestibular patients during standing.
Impulsive stimuli with varying rise times, intensities, and directions were applied to the trunk.
Evoked responses were analyzed for latency, amplitude, and dependence on posture.

Main Results:

A biphasic reflex response (short and medium latency) was observed, dependent on posture.
Optimal responses were elicited by specific stimulus rise times (10-14 ms) and locations (C7, mid-thoracic).
Positive (push) stimuli and increased intensity yielded larger responses; avestibular patients showed similar, albeit slightly delayed, responses compared to controls.

Conclusions:

The trunk-evoked postural reflex is likely mediated by non-vestibular afferents, possibly originating from trunk mechanoreceptors.
This reflex appears crucial for maintaining normal postural stability.
The findings offer an alternative explanation for previously reported postural reflexes to limb displacements.