Spinal and supraspinal interactions ensuring balance control during standing

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Whether we simply stand, walk or move our arms, balance is constantly compromised. Our central nervous system has developed mechanisms to prevent or quickly compensate for perturbations of balance and ensure stable upright posture. Previous studies have demonstrated that parts of balance control mechanisms are located in the brain and other parts in the spinal cord. However, we still do not know how neuronal networks located in both structures interact with each other. This information is essential because in everyday life those networks do not act independently of each other but rather are likely to influence each other in order to convey the proper balance reactions. Thus without that knowledge we remain with fragmentary understanding of the neural control of balance and to fill this gap, I will start a research program that aims at understanding interactions between neuronal networks located in the brain and spinal cord. As a first step, I will specifically assess how neurons in the brain influence the activity of neurons located in the spinal cord. The outcome of these experiments will beneficiate Canadians as it will provide a wealth of information leading to a better and more integrated understanding of normal balance control. Moreover, this research program will enable training of highly qualified personnel, notably graduate and undergraduate students who will be well equipped to become future professors and researchers and continue to bring forward the field of Neurosciences.