Anticipatory postural control relies on planned adjustments to which body parameters?

• A. Base of Support only
• B. Center of Mass only
• C. Center of Mass and Base of Support
• D. Muscular strength alone

Answer: (C)

Anticipatory postural control is about preplanning how your body will stay stable before a movement or expected disturbance. The nervous system adjusts two key parameters: where your mass is centered (the center of mass) and the size and position of the area in contact with the surface (the base of support). By shifting the center of mass and/or modifying or enlarging the base of support (for example through weight shifts, ankle or hip strategies, or even taking a step), the body keeps the center of mass over or within the base of support, maintaining balance. This coordination is a planned, feedforward adjustment—not just relying on muscular strength alone. So the best answer is that anticipatory postural control relies on planned adjustments to both the center of mass and the base of support.