Reactive postural corrections rely on which control mechanism?

• A. Feedforward control
• B. Open-loop control
• C. Feedback control
• D. Conscious strategy selection

Answer: (C)

Reactive postural corrections rely on feedback control because the system must detect a deviation from the intended posture and use sensory information to adjust movements in real time. When sway or a perturbation occurs, inputs from vision, vestibular systems, and proprioceptors inform the nervous system of the error, and corrective commands are issued to bring stability back. This closed-loop process contrasts with anticipatory adjustments made before a perturbation (feedforward control), preplanned actions executed without ongoing sensory input (open-loop control), and deliberate, conscious strategy choices, which are slower and not the automatic, immediate corrections that posture relies on after a disturbance.