Movement is in a constant state of flux, defined by a continuous cycle of acceleration and deceleration, initiation and termination. Within this dynamic of motor control, the "braking function" is just as essential as the drive to initiate motion. Effective motor termination requires precise inhibitory mechanisms to ensure fluid and stable transitions. When these processes fail, excessive muscle co-contraction often restricts mobility—a common challenge for older adults and individuals recovering from hemiparetic stroke. We explore these underlying inhibitory mechanisms during deceleration to unlock the secrets of graceful and efficient human movement.

Detailed observation reveals two distinct behaviors that strive for stability: exploratory movements toward an equilibrium point and corrective adjustments for motor errors. Both processes necessitate the precise regulation of physical force. We believe that while force generation is essential, the "release" of force is even more critical for effective motor inhibition. Our research specifically focuses on the mechanisms of force release as a fundamental element of stability. By analyzing electromyography (EMG) and force dynamics, we seek to clarify the precise coordination of muscle activity and its role in maintaining human equilibrium.

Human movement is an ongoing process of adapting to a perpetually changing environment. Adaptation is defined as the renormalization of motor behavior across multiple control levels in response to sustained disturbances. Historically, visuomotor adaptation using prism lenses has been the gold standard for studying this process. However, similar to VR, prism lenses can induce motion sickness, often making them less suitable for dynamic, whole-body movements.

Our research focuses on the generalization of these adaptive processes to whole-body control. Specifically, we investigate how the nervous system recalibrates during standing Center of Pressure (COP) shift tasks by combining prism lens adaptation with precise COP manipulation. By exploring these mechanisms, we seek to develop innovative applications for motor control and functional rehabilitation.