Document Detail


Shifting the balance: evidence of an exploratory role for postural sway.
MedLine Citation:
PMID:  20800663     Owner:  NLM     Status:  MEDLINE    
Abstract/OtherAbstract:
Humans and other species are unable to stand perfectly still; their bodies continuously sway during stance even during concentrated efforts to avoid such movement. Traditionally, this phenomenon has been viewed as an inability of the central nervous system (CNS) to maintain perfect equilibrium because of its reliance on feedback from sensory signals to control corrective ground-reaction forces. Using a novel method to minimize movements of the body during stance without subject awareness, we have made the unique discovery that ground-reaction forces are generated independent of body sway, as evidenced by observations of increased centre of pressure variability when postural sway is minimized experimentally. Contrary to traditional views, our results suggest that postural sway may be used by the CNS as an exploratory mechanism to ensure that continuous dynamic inputs are provided by multiple sensory systems. This novel paradigm has the potential to significantly shift long-standing views on balance, and questions the theoretical basis behind conventional treatment strategies for balance deficits associated with age and disease.
Authors:
M G Carpenter; C D Murnaghan; J T Inglis
Related Documents :
22370503 - The interaction between duration, velocity and repetitive auditory stimulation.
12855303 - Mechanical effect of additional supports in a rocking on heels movement.
21676773 - Biotelemetry of new world thrushes during migration: physiology, energetics and orienta...
Publication Detail:
Type:  Journal Article; Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't     Date:  2010-08-26
Journal Detail:
Title:  Neuroscience     Volume:  171     ISSN:  1873-7544     ISO Abbreviation:  Neuroscience     Publication Date:  2010 Nov 
Date Detail:
Created Date:  2010-10-18     Completed Date:  2011-02-02     Revised Date:  -    
Medline Journal Info:
Nlm Unique ID:  7605074     Medline TA:  Neuroscience     Country:  United States    
Other Details:
Languages:  eng     Pagination:  196-204     Citation Subset:  IM    
Copyright Information:
Copyright © 2010 IBRO. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Affiliation:
School of Human Kinetics, Osborne Centre Unit I, 6108 Thunderbird Boulevard, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada, V6T 1Z3. mark.carpenter@ubc.ca
Export Citation:
APA/MLA Format     Download EndNote     Download BibTex
MeSH Terms
Descriptor/Qualifier:
Adult
Analysis of Variance
Attention / physiology*
Electromyography / methods
Female
Humans
Male
Movement / physiology
Postural Balance / physiology*
Posture / physiology*
Pressure
Young Adult

From MEDLINE®/PubMed®, a database of the U.S. National Library of Medicine


Previous Document:  The effect of ?9-tetrahydrocannabinol on 5-HT3 receptors depends on the current density.
Next Document:  Mesenchymal stem cells in a polycaprolactone conduit enhance median-nerve regeneration, prevent decr...