8.1 Postural Control

Question 1

What three factors interact to produce balance?

Answer 1

The individual, the task, and the environment.

Question 2

What are the three types of balance control?

Answer 2

Steady-state, reactive, and proactive balance control.

Question 3

What environmental factors influence postural control?

Answer 3

Type of support surface, sensory cues, and cognitive demands.

Question 4

Do all functional tasks require postural control?

Answer 4

Yes, but the orientation and stability requirements vary by task.

Question 5

Give an example of a task that prioritizes orientation over stability.

Answer 5

A soccer goalie blocking a shot.

Question 6

Give an example of a task that prioritizes stability over orientation.

Answer 6

A tightrope walker maintaining balance.

Question 7

How does postural control differ between sitting and dynamic sports?

Answer 7

Sitting requires minimal stability adjustments, while sports require rapid adaptations.

Question 8

What systems contribute to postural control?

Answer 8

Musculoskeletal, neuromuscular, sensory, and cognitive systems.

Question 9

List musculoskeletal components important for postural control.

Answer 9

Joints, spine, muscles, range of motion, flexibility, and muscle properties.

Question 10

List neuromuscular components important for postural control.

Answer 10

Motor processes, muscle synergies, and sensory systems.

Question 11

What sensory systems are involved in postural control?

Answer 11

Visual, vestibular, and somatosensory systems.

Question 12

What cognitive processes are involved in postural control?

Answer 12

Anticipatory and adaptive mechanisms.

Question 13

What is proprioception?

Answer 13

The body’s awareness of its position and movement in space.

Question 14

What are the two main control mechanisms for postural control?

Answer 14

Feedforward and feedback mechanisms.

Question 15

What is feedforward control?

Answer 15

Anticipatory control that prepares the body for expected disturbances.

Question 16

What is feedback control?

Answer 16

Reactive control that corrects posture after a disturbance.

Question 17

How do feedforward and feedback systems work together?

Answer 17

Feedforward anticipates change, feedback corrects errors after movement.

Question 18

What is the center of mass (COM)?

Answer 18

The point at the center of the total body mass, usually near the belly button.

Question 19

What is the center of gravity (COG)?

Answer 19

The point where an object is perfectly balanced; it can shift inside or outside the body.

Question 20

Can the center of gravity move outside the body?

Answer 20

Yes, depending on posture or external loads.

Question 21

What is the base of support (BOS)?

Answer 21

The area of the body in contact with the support surface.

Question 22

What determines whether a person remains stable?

Answer 22

The position and velocity of the center of mass relative to the base of support.

Question 23

Define postural stability.

Answer 23

The ability to control the center of mass in relation to the base of support.

Question 24

What are stability limits?

Answer 24

The boundaries at which a person must adjust their base of support to remain stable.

Question 25

How can fear of falling affect stability?

Answer 25

It can reduce confidence and alter balance control strategies.

Question 26

Define center of pressure (COP).

Answer 26

The point of application of the total ground reaction force on the support surface.

Question 27

How does the center of pressure relate to the center of mass?

Answer 27

It moves continuously to keep the center of mass within the base of support.

Question 28

Can the center of mass extend beyond the base of support without falling?

Answer 28

Yes, in skilled individuals (e.g., ice skaters) through controlled motion and momentum.