Postural Control

Question 1

Describe the COP versus COM

Answer 1

COM: point where distribution of mass collects (center of gravity)
COP: sum of pressures enacting from body and ground

Question 2

How do you quantify postural control

Answer 2

COP sway excursion; less sway means more stable
- Use of force plates

Question 3

How does higher-level planning contribute to postural control?

Answer 3

• Anticipatory control
• Decision making

Question 4

How does the brain stem contribute to postural control?

Answer 4

• Coordination
• Reflexes

Question 5

How does the cerebellum contribute to postural control?

Answer 5

• Refine motor outputs

Question 6

How does the basal ganglia contribute to postural control?

Answer 6

• Regulate muscle tone

Question 7

What do alignment, muscle tone, and postural tone combine to help us do?

Answer 7

Keep us upright

Question 8

Why is alignment important for efficiency?

Answer 8

Minimizes effects of gravity, lets us stay in equilibrium w/ least amount of energy

Question 9

Muscle tone - type of muscle contractions in a relaxed state (stabilize)

Answer 9

Tonic muscle contractions

Question 10

Feedback control

Answer 10

Posture responds to sensory feedback

Question 11

Feedforward control

Answer 11

Posture responses in anticipation of perturbation

Question 12

Ankle strategy

Answer 12

• Response to small perturbation & on a stable surface

Question 13

Ankle strategy in response to forward instability?

Answer 13

Gastrocnemius->hamstring->paraspinals

Question 14

Ankle strategy in response to backward instability?

Answer 14

Tibialis anterior->quadriceps->abs

Question 15

Hip strategy

Answer 15

• Small support surface

Question 16

Hip strategy in response to forward instability?

Answer 16

Abs->quads

Question 17

Hip strategy in response to backward instability?

Answer 17

Paraspinals->hamstrings

Question 18

Stepping strategy

Answer 18

When ankle and hip strategies don’t work