Why and how are posture and movement coordinated?

Abstract

In most motor acts, posture and movement must be coordinated in order to achieve the goal of the task. The focus of this chapter is on why and how this coordination takes place. First, the nature of posture is discussed. Two of its general functions are recognized; an antigravity role, and a role in interfacing the body with its environment such that perception and action can ensue. Next addressed is how posture is controlled centrally. Two models are presented and evaluated; a genetic and a hierarchical one. The latter has two levels; internal representation and execution. Finally, we consider how central control processes might achieve an effective coordination between posture and movement. Is a single central control process responsible for both movement and its associated posture? Alternatively, is there a dual coordinated control system: one for movement, and the other for posture? We provide evidence for the latter, in the form of a biomechanical analysis that features the use of eigenmovement approach.