In the preparatory phase, which statement best describes?

• A. Postural muscles activated in advance
• B. Voluntary movement begins
• C. Postural muscles activated in advance to prep the body for movement
• D. The body experiences destabilization prior to movement

Answer: (C)

Anticipatory postural adjustments prepare the body for movement by activating postural muscles in advance to stabilize the body before the primary action. This feedforward activation helps maintain the center of mass over the base of support and sets up the trunk for the upcoming limb movement, making the action smoother and more controlled. The preparatory phase isn’t about starting the voluntary movement itself or causing instability; it’s about pre-activating muscles to counter expected shifts and support the movement that follows.