An overview of the physiology and pathophysiology of postural control

Abstract

This chapter gives an overview of the role played by the postural control system in the production of postural tone, stability and orientation. Sensory inputs are integrated at the level of the central nervous system, and postural responses, that are generated by the spinal and supraspinal centers, can be selected according to prior experience, the degree of postural stabilization, and the environment. Since human upright stance is an unstable condition, several diseases affecting the peripheral and central nervous system can lead to different degrees of balance impairment. In order to create a link between physiology of postural control and disease, a brief description of the main pathophysiological mechanisms underlying abnormalities of the postural control system in common diseases of the nervous system is also given.