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Updated: Mar 12, 2026

Experimental Methods to Study Human Postural Control
Published on: September 11, 2019
Wavelet-frequency analysis for the detection of discontinuities in switched system models of human balance
Salam Nema1, Piotr Kowalczyk1, Ian Loram2
1School of Computing, Mathematics and Digital Technology, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, UK.
Abstract:
This paper is concerned with detecting the presence of switching behavior in experimentally obtained posturographic data sets by means of a novel algorithm that is based on a combination of wavelet analysis and Hilbert transform. As a test-bed for the algorithm, we first use a switched model of human balance control during quiet standing with known switching behavior in four distinct configurations. We obtain a time-frequency representation of a signal generated by our model system. We are then able to detect manifestations of discontinuities (switchings) in the signal as spiking behavior. The frequency of switchings, measured by means of our algorithm and detected in our models systems, agrees with the frequency of spiking behavior found in the experimentally obtained posturographic data.
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