Muscle Networks Dynamic in Demanding Postural Tasks and Visual Feedback Privation: A Preliminary Study

Postural stability relies on the effective interaction between sensory feedback integration and muscle modulation. This study investigates the dynamics of muscle networks generated during challenging postures and examines the impact of visual feedback deprivation on balance. The postural conditions included three tasks selected from the Berg Balance Scale: standing feet apart, standing feet together, and tandem stance. Additionally, these postures were performed with both open and closed eyes. Electromyographic (EMG) signals were collected bilaterally from six leg and hip muscles. Intermuscular coherence (IMC) was calculated across the twelve muscles within the beta frequency band to identify the muscle networks activated under different postural conditions. The findings revealed a decrease in the number of connections across the sequence of postures, alongside the strengthening of specific muscle connections unique to each individual. These shared patterns and individualized muscle networks may reflect adaptive strategies employed to maintain stability during challenging postural tasks.