Projects per year
Abstract
Here we explain the neural and mechanical mechanisms responsible for synchronizing sway and improving postural control during physical contact with another standing person. Postural control processes were modelled using an inverted pendulum under continuous feedback control. Interpersonal interactions were simulated either by coupling the sensory feedback loops or by physically coupling the pendulums with a damped spring. These simulations precisely recreated the timing and magnitude of sway interactions observed empirically. Effects of firmly grasping another person's shoulder were explained entirely by the mechanical linkage. This contrasted with light touch and/or visual contact, which were explained by a sensory weighting phenomenon; each person's estimate of upright was based on a weighted combination of veridical sensory feedback combined with a small contribution from their partner. Under these circumstances, the model predicted reductions in sway even without the need to distinguish between self and partner motion. Our findings explain the seemingly paradoxical observation that touching a swaying person can improve postural control.
Original language | English |
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Article number | 20140751 |
Journal | Journal of The Royal Society Interface |
Volume | 11 |
Issue number | 101 |
Early online date | 22 Oct 2014 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 6 Dec 2014 |
Keywords
- feedback model
- interpersonal
- posture
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Dive into the research topics of 'Mechanisms of interpersonal sway synchrony and stability'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.Projects
- 2 Finished
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Centre for Musculoskeletal Ageing Research (linked to 18289 & 19482)
Lord, J. (Principal Investigator), Buckley, C. (Co-Investigator), Duda, J. (Co-Investigator), Dunn, W. (Co-Investigator), Miall, C. (Co-Investigator) & Greig, C. (Co-Investigator)
1/08/12 → 31/07/17
Project: Research Councils
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The effect of ageing on vestibular control of balance
Reynolds, R. (Principal Investigator)
Biotechnology & Biological Sciences Research Council
3/10/11 → 2/10/13
Project: Research Councils