Why the study?
Rapid postural reactions prevent falls, but the neural systems supporting these responses are not fully understood, particularly regarding aging and neurological disorders.
What are the cortical and subcortical mechanisms underlying reactive balance and how are they altered by aging and pathology?
Design
Scoping review
Key result
A scoping review of 61 neuroimaging studies demonstrated that reactive balance relies on a distributed cortico-subcortical network, with aging and pathology heightening cortical activation.
Authors
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Does not support changes to clinical balance training; leaves open hypothesis-driven trials on cortical compensation in aging and disease.
What are the cortical and subcortical mechanisms underlying reactive balance and how are they altered by aging and pathology?
Reactive balance relies on a distributed cortico-subcortical network, and increased cortical activation in aging and neurological conditions suggests reduced automaticity and greater reliance on compensatory control.
Monaghan et al. (2025) conducted a review in Reactive balance control (n=61). Neuroimaging (EEG, MRI, fNIRS, PET) was evaluated on Patterns of regional activation and age- or disease-related differences. A scoping review of 61 neuroimaging studies demonstrated that reactive balance relies on a distributed cortico-subcortical network, with aging and pathology heightening cortical activation.