Visually induced destabilization of human stance: neuronal control of leg muscles

Abstract

With subjects standing on a treadmill both the treadmill and an optical flow pattern were moved sinusoidally (0.25 Hz) and the effect of delaying the presentation of the image with respect to treadmill movement was analysed. Around the posterior turning point of treadmill movement a modulation of the tibialis anterior EMG was observed, the onset, duration and amplitude of which were dependent upon the phase-shift between the movements of the legs and the image. At times around the anterior turning point a corresponding modulation, but only of EMG amplitude, occurred in the extensor muscles. Little adaptational changes in EMG activity were seen during successive cycles. Consequently during a specific sensitive phase of the sinus tibialis anterior EMG, responses are evoked in which strength depended on the velocity of the optical flow pattern. The modulation of the extensor activity is necessary for a 'resetting' of the neutral body position.