Independent directional tuning of the human triceps surae muscles during standing postural control
Abstract
By applying new analytical techniques to high-density surface EMG and kinetic data, we show that each triceps surae muscle produces directionally tuned torques that the nervous system exploits to regulate equilibrium in a task-dependent manner. No intramuscular differences were observed, suggesting that each triceps surae muscle is treated as homogeneous, but functionally distinct, actuators. This fractionated control of synergists may be critical to the maintenance of equilibrium and impaired by musculoskeletal and neurological disorders.
Fields of Study & Subjects
Muscle activation and electromyography studies
Motor Control and Adaptation
Balance
Gait
and Falls Prevention
Publication details
- Journal / source
- Journal of Applied Physiology
- Publisher
- American Physiological Society
- Volume
- 140
- Issue
- 4
- Pages
- 846–861
- Publication date
- 30 January 2026
- Language
- EN