On the functional aspects of variability in postural control.
Current research in nonlinear dynamics and chaos theory has challenged traditional perspectives that associate high variability with performance decrement and pathology. It is argued that variability can play a functional role in postural control and that reduction of variability is associated with changes in balance with aging and neurological disease.
van Emmerik
Richard E A
RE
Department of Exercise Science, University of Massachusetts, Amherst 01003, USA. rvanemmerik@excsci.umass.edu
van Wegen
Erwin E H
EE
D000375:Aging / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D010300:Parkinson Disease / Q000503:physiopathology; D004856:Postural Balance / Q000502:physiology*; D011187:Posture / Q000502:physiology*; D011597:Psychomotor Performance / Q000502:physiology