Characteristics of proprioceptive feedback in postural control

In the present study, the proprioceptive feedback system in postural control was investigated. To suppress the vestibular and visual feedback paths, a subject stood on a servo-driven platform with a fixed back support. The subject controlled a computer model which simulated body dynamics. Information on the sway angle of the model was provided through the proprioceptive feedback path. Frequency response functions for the ankle moment in response to the sway angle were calculated. The experimental results showed derivative characteristics: gain increase with frequency and phase lead in the low frequency range.