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Experimental Methods to Study Human Postural Control
Published on: September 11, 2019
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Interstimulus Intervals and Sensory Modality Modulate the Impact of a Cognitive Task on Postural Control
1a School of Human Kinetics, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Ottawa , Ottawa , Canada.
Journal of Motor Behavior
|June 3, 2016
Summary
Cognitive tasks impact postural control, with shorter interstimulus intervals (ISIs) and visual presentation significantly altering sway. This suggests attentional focus influences balance.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Biomechanics
- Human Factors
Background:
- Postural control is crucial for daily activities.
- Cognitive tasks can interfere with postural control.
- The specific features of cognitive tasks affecting postural control are not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate how cognitive task characteristics, specifically interstimulus interval (ISI) duration and sensory modality, influence postural control in young adults.
Main Methods:
- Seventeen young adults stood on a force platform while performing cognitive tasks.
- Tasks involved counting digits (visual) or letters (auditory) with ISIs of 2 or 5 seconds.
- Postural sway was measured using a force platform.
Main Results:
- A 2-second ISI increased anteroposterior sway.
- Visual tasks, compared to auditory, significantly reduced sway area and variability (anteroposterior and mediolateral).
- Shorter ISIs and visual presentation appear to impact postural control.
Conclusions:
- Interstimulus intervals and sensory modality of cognitive tasks can modulate postural control.
- Altered attentional focus allocation may explain the observed effects.
- Visual cognitive tasks may lead to more stable posture compared to auditory tasks.
