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Experimental Methods to Study Human Postural Control
Published on: September 11, 2019
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Task, muscle and frequency dependent vestibular control of posture
Patrick A Forbes1, Gunter P Siegmund2, Alfred C Schouten3
1Department of Biomechanical Engineering, Faculty of Mechanical, Maritime and Materials Engineering, Delft University of Technology Delft, Netherlands ; School of Kinesiology, University of British Columbia Vancouver, B. C., Canada.
Frontiers in Integrative Neuroscience
|January 27, 2015
Summary
The vestibular system
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Biomechanics
- Human Physiology
Background:
- The vestibular system is vital for maintaining balance and posture.
- Vestibular reflexes exhibit task-dependent and frequency-specific responses in different muscle groups.
- Existing research shows broader frequency bandwidths for vestibular input in neck muscles compared to appendicular muscles.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore and integrate the task-, muscle-, and frequency-related differences in the vestibular system's contribution to posture.
- To challenge the traditional view of vestibular reflexes' frequency range.
- To propose how the nervous system adapts vestibular signals for different muscle groups.
Main Methods:
- This is a review article, integrating findings from recent investigations.
- Analysis of task dependence and frequency response of vestibular reflexes.
- Comparison of vestibular reflex characteristics in appendicular and axial muscles.
Main Results:
- Vestibular reflexes in appendicular muscles are evoked only when relevant for postural control.
- Vestibular reflexes in neck muscles are consistently active, irrespective of head-trunk balance requirements.
- The frequency bandwidth of vestibular input is significantly broader (up to 3x) for neck muscles than for appendicular muscles.
Conclusions:
- The human nervous system adapts vestibular signals to match the mechanical properties of the systems controlled by different muscle groups.
- Vestibular reflexes contribute to postural control beyond the traditionally accepted frequency range.
- Differences in vestibular reflex characteristics reflect specialized roles in posture and balance.
Keywords:
appendicular musclesaxial musclesfrequency responsepostural controltask dependentvestibular reflexesMore Related Videos
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