Modeling the neuro-mechanics of human balance when recovering from a fall: a continuous-time approach

• DOI: 10.1186/s12938-020-00811-1
• Publication Date: 2020-08-31T10:03:10Z
• Authors: Angel Cerda-Lugo; Alejandro González; Antonio Cardenas; Davide Piovesan
• Keywords: Research; Dynamic model; Models, Biological; Vibration; Healthy Volunteers; Biomechanical Phenomena; 03 medical and health sciences; Human balance; 0302 clinical medicine; Nonlinear Dynamics; Standing Position; Parameter estimation; Medical technology; Humans; Accidental Falls; Computer Simulation; Joints; Nervous System Physiological Phenomena; R855-855.5; Postural Balance; Mechanical Phenomena

Abstract Background Balance control deteriorates with age and nearly 30% of the elderly population in United States reports stability problems. Postural is an integral task to daily living reliant upon ankle hip. To this end, estimation joint parameters can be a useful tool when analyzing compensatory actions aimed at maintaining postural stability. Methods Using analytical approach, study expands on previous work analyzes two degrees freedom human model. The first modes vibration system are represented by neuro-mechanical second-order, time-varying Kelvin–Voigt model actuated tested using custom double inverted pendulum healthy volunteers who were subjected positional step-like perturbation during quiet standing. An silico sensitivity analysis influence inertial was also performed. Results proposed method able correctly identify visco-elastic pendulum. We show that parameter applied standing humans. These results appear subject-independent strategy combines both modulation stiffness, use intermittent control. Conclusions This paper presents non-linear differential equations representing lumped muscle–tendon units. It utilizes motion capture measurements obtain estimates system’s constructing simple time-dependent regressor for estimating single perturbation. step forward into understanding recovering from fall. In literature, either restricted vibrational mode inverted-pendulum or assumed time-invariant. allows hip related movement highlights importance core training.