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Rethinking the goal of postural control during quiet stance

Abstract Details

2020, Master of Science, Miami University, Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering.
Falls are prevalent in the elderly and diseased population. They are serious and costly. Numerous studies have discovered the factors contributing to falls from physiological and pathological perspectives. However, the mechanism of standing balance control with biomechanical considerations is less discussed. The purpose of this study is to investigate the fundamental biomechanics of postural control during quiet stance to determine the validity of commonly used balance models. It is hypothesized that 1) given the simple inverted pendulum model, a stable stance is preferred with a slight forward-leaning angle, and the center of pressure (CoP) would remain near mid-foot. 2) The stability diagram, expressed by the neuromuscular feedback gain and delay, will yield a wider range of parameter combinations causing a stable equilibrium position. We study the bifurcations and stability of two mathematical models: with an upright position, and with a desired leaning position. The results of the mathematical model analyses show the leaning model has a larger range of parameter values for which balance can be maintained. An analysis of experimental data of twelve healthy participants shows participants leaned forward during quiet stance. These findings provide insight into the dynamics of human balance to detect postural instability and prevent falls.
James Chagdes (Advisor)
Shukla Amit (Committee Member)
Walsh Mark (Committee Member)
41 p.

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • Wang, J. (2020). Rethinking the goal of postural control during quiet stance [Master's thesis, Miami University]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=miami1596221571056177

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Wang, Jiaqi. Rethinking the goal of postural control during quiet stance. 2020. Miami University, Master's thesis. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=miami1596221571056177.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Wang, Jiaqi. "Rethinking the goal of postural control during quiet stance." Master's thesis, Miami University, 2020. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=miami1596221571056177

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)