Methods for Evaluation of Postural Control Adaptation

• New methods were developed to determine the dynamic changes of postural control during the initial exposure to large perturbances of stance. The adjustments of postural control over time in measured anteroposterior torque, were investigated in ten normal subjects. Perturbations of stance were evoked by two high intensity vibrators applying pseudorandom stimulation either to the calf muscles or the paravertebral muscles of the neck. The new methods use a system identification approach, which distinguishes between feedback control, adaptation of postural responses and adaptation to stimulus. This approach makes it possible to quantify motion dynamics and complexity, stimulus impact and adjustments of postural control. Quantification of the different adaptive responses could be useful for diagnostic purposes, in evaluating treatment efficacy and patient progress in rehabilitation programs.

Subject headings

TEKNIK OCH TEKNOLOGIER  -- Elektroteknik och elektronik -- Reglerteknik (hsv//swe)

ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY  -- Electrical Engineering, Electronic Engineering, Information Engineering -- Control Engineering (hsv//eng)

Keyword

Vision

Proprioception

Vibration

Posture

Adaptation

Publication and Content Type

art (subject category)

ref (subject category)