Sitting balance has been reported to be an improtant prerequisite to and predictor of safe performance in many functional activities. No information is reported concerning the normal patterns of responses to self-displacement of center of gravity in sitting position and comparing these movements with those occurring in other postures. This study identified the component of normal balance response to a lateral reaching task while sitting and standing on a stable surface, and compares the response patterns between the two positions. General consistency of response patterns to this lateral reaching task existed in both the sitting and standing positions. Few variations were found to exist between individuals in each position and between positions. In sitting, the angles of upper and lower extremity abduction and trunk lateral flexion were greater but the transition time was shorter than in standing (p<0.05). The consistency is the response patterns was discussed in terms of the concept of central programming. Differences in responses were attributed to different conceptualization of the conditions of the task and the instructions as interpreted by each subject. A description of the unique response patterns in each position and a comparison of the responses found in this study with those elicited in tilting were includcd.
Sitting balance has been reported to be an improtant prerequisite to and predictor of safe performance in many functional activities. No information is reported concerning the normal patterns of responses to self-displacement of center of gravity in sitting position and comparing these movements with those occurring in other postures. This study identified the component of normal balance response to a lateral reaching task while sitting and standing on a stable surface, and compares the response patterns between the two positions. General consistency of response patterns to this lateral reaching task existed in both the sitting and standing positions. Few variations were found to exist between individuals in each position and between positions. In sitting, the angles of upper and lower extremity abduction and trunk lateral flexion were greater but the transition time was shorter than in standing (p<0.05). The consistency is the response patterns was discussed in terms of the concept of central programming. Differences in responses were attributed to different conceptualization of the conditions of the task and the instructions as interpreted by each subject. A description of the unique response patterns in each position and a comparison of the responses found in this study with those elicited in tilting were includcd.