What defines postural control?

Postural control is fundamentally about the ability to orient the body in space, ensuring stability and balance during various tasks. This involves the coordination of sensory input, which includes proprioception, visual, and vestibular systems, to maintain a position against gravity while also reacting to external forces.

Being able to orient the body in space is crucial for performing everyday activities efficiently and safely. It encompasses not just maintaining an upright posture but also the ability to adjust positioning during movements and shifts in the environment. This is particularly significant in stroke rehabilitation, where effective postural control is vital for improving mobility and reducing the risk of falls.

While maintaining a low center of gravity contributes to stability, it does not independently define postural control since an individual can have a low center of gravity yet struggle with orientation in space. Performing movements without supervision speaks more to independence than to the control aspect. The ability to react to stimuli is about responsiveness and coordination rather than the fundamental aspect of orienting the body in space. Each of these other choices touches on aspects of postural control but does not capture the full essence of what it means to have postural control.