JNP Micro Podcasts: Uncovering Balance Control from Foot Force

Join coauthors Rika Dimitrova and Kaymie Shiozawa in this podcast where they dive deep into their research on human balance control. In this episode, they explore the insights of three papers: "Frequency-domain patterns in foot-force line-of-action: an emergent property of standing balance control," "Human foot force suggests different balance control between younger and older adults," and "Human foot force informs balance control strategies when standing on a narrow beam."

Their work uncovers a novel, closed-form analytical result that links the frequency-domain patterns of foot force to the body’s neuromotor control during quiet standing. The podcast delves into the complexities of balance control in different age groups, demonstrating how older adults adapt their balance strategies to compensate for muscle weakness, relying more on neural feedback. With a focus on foot-ground force interactions, the duo breaks down how these findings can provide a new balance assessment tool, highlighting its significance in both research and real-world applications.

Additionally, Dr. Sugimoto-Dimitrova and Dr. Shiozawa discuss the challenges of maintaining balance in more demanding conditions—such as standing on a narrow beam—and explore how biomechanics and neural control work together to stabilize the body.

 

Frequency-domain patterns in foot-force line-of-action: an emergent property of standing balance control

Rika Sugimoto-Dimitrova, Kaymie Shiozawa, Kreg G. Gruben, and Neville Hogan

Journal of Neurophysiology 2024 132:5, 1445-1456

 

Human foot force suggests different balance control between younger and older adults

Kaymie Shiozawa, Rika Sugimoto-Dimitrova, Kreg G. Gruben, and Neville Hogan

Journal of Neurophysiology 2024 132:5, 1457-1469

 

Human foot force informs balance control strategies when standing on a narrow beam

Kaymie Shiozawa, Marta Russo, Jongwoo Lee, Neville Hogan, and Dagmar Sternad

Journal of Neurophysiology 2024 132:4, 1302-1314