In the first post of this series, I provided a graphic of the dynamic systems nature of postural control but I mentioned it didn’t have a couple of pieces that I now consider important. Here is my new graphic, one which I think more accurately reflects the nature of our present understanding. You can see I’ve added emotional regulation and cognitive resources into the mix. It illustrates that postural control is a whole brain function – it really is dynamic systems theory in action. 

I am excited by this paradigm for postural control. It is wonderfully complex and this complexity is NOT a drawback. With its emphasis on the dynamic relationships between so many systems, (not just strength), this model can help us address postural control as it underlies functional motor skills in every single client, regardless of their age or diagnosis. 

Last month I participated in the STAR Institute annual conference and it was an honour to speak to so many dedicated therapists. I now have a few more thoughts regarding the interrelationships between the sensory, motor, emotional and cognitive components of postural control. However this conversation has to stop somewhere and after 12 blog posts, this is the last post of my postural control series. I hope you have enjoyed our journey, I know I have. 

Cheers.

Shelley