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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Feb 24, 2026

Experimental Methods to Study Human Postural Control

Experimental Methods to Study Human Postural Control

Published on: September 11, 2019

Mobility as the Purpose of Postural Control.

Charlotte Le Mouel¹, Romain Brette¹

¹Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Institut de la Vision, Sorbonne Universités, Université Pierre et Marie Curie, Univ. Paris 06Paris, France.

Frontiers in Computational Neuroscience

|August 12, 2017

Summary

Postural control uses gravity's torque to propel movement, not just counteract it. This skill, crucial for movement, develops with learning and declines with age.

Keywords:

balance motor control movement neuromechanics posture

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Last Updated: Feb 24, 2026

Experimental Methods to Study Human Postural Control

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Published on: September 11, 2019

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

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Published on: July 26, 2022

Sit-to-stand-and-walk from 120% Knee Height: A Novel Approach to Assess Dynamic Postural Control Independent of Lead-limb

Sit-to-stand-and-walk from 120% Knee Height: A Novel Approach to Assess Dynamic Postural Control Independent of Lead-limb

Published on: August 30, 2016

Area of Science:

Biomechanics
Motor Control
Human Movement Science

Background:

Postural control is traditionally viewed as counteracting gravity.
This perspective overlooks the mechanical demands of initiating and executing movements.

Purpose of the Study:

To investigate the role of postural adjustments in generating propulsive forces for movement.
To re-evaluate the primary function of postural control in relation to movement mechanics.

Main Methods:

Analysis of mechanical requirements for movement initiation.
Observation of postural adjustments during voluntary and perturbed movements.
Examination of the role of gravity's torque in skilled movement.

Main Results:

Quiet standing posture is organized to allow for movement-generating torque.
Postural adjustments during movement are spatially and temporally optimized to provide necessary torque.
Skilled movement leverages gravity's torque for propulsion, rather than solely counteracting it.

Conclusions:

Postural control actively utilizes gravity to facilitate movement, challenging the traditional view.
The ability to exploit gravity's torque for movement is linked to development and skill acquisition.
Aging impairs the capacity to effectively use gravity's torque for movement.