Neuromuscular and Biomechanical Factors Underlying Human Posture Control

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9603863 Collins The task of maintaining an upright posture involves a complex control system even in a healthy, young individual. This project is designed to increase the understanding of the nervous system, muscle, and biomechanical factors that influence postural control. The project uses a newly developed quantitative approach to studying postural control called "stabilogram-diffusion analysis" (SDA) to analyze the subtle postural adjustments and movements individuals make as they stand. Experiments use this analysis to examine such adjustments in relation to different influences on posture such as muscle activity levels and the body's inertia. The results are then used to understand the role of different sensory and motor control systems in maintaining effective postural control. This project will significantly improve the understanding of how the body effectively controls posture and movement, and in so doing will provide insights important for understanding the postural control difficulties that result from aging or balance disorders. Its results will also be important for the development of mechanical systems such as prosthetic limbs or robotic devices that require fast, effective control of stable platforms.