Abstract
Recent research showed that artificially immobilizing the center of mass (COM) of participants in a standing position increased the center of pressure (COP) variability. This increase has been interpreted as an exploratory behavior. The objectives of this study are to investigate if this exploratory behavior is (1) reflected in other COP variables and (2) automatically controlled using a dual-task paradigm. Sixteen young adults were strapped to an apparatus which allowed them to sway freely (“unlocked”) or to be immobilized (“locked”) without their knowledge. Participants undertook the two phases (unlocked and locked) in a single-task and dual-task condition. Results suggested the presence of an exploratory behavior through different COP variables. Results also suggested this exploratory behavior to be automatic by nature.
Acknowledgement
The authors would like to thank D. Désilets for his contribution in the illustration of the apparatus.
DISCLOSURE STATEMENT
No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).