What are the three phases of feedforward control?

• A. Preparatory phase, Action, Compensatory phase
• B. Preparatory phase, Compensatory phase, Action
• C. Action, Preparatory phase, Compensatory phase
• D. Preparatory phase, Action, Stabilization phase

Answer: (B)

Feedforward control in posture involves anticipating the disturbance a movement will cause and preparing the body before it happens. The three phases unfold in this order: first, a preparatory phase where anticipatory postural adjustments activate before the movement to shift the center of mass and ready the joints and muscles; second, the action phase where the primary task is carried out with the prepared posture; and third, a compensatory phase where corrective adjustments are made to counter any residual destabilization and restore balance. This sequence—anticipation, execution, stabilization—best captures how the body prepares for, performs, and then stabilizes during movement, which is why it’s the correct choice. Other options reorder these phases or use terms like stabilization that don’t align with the typical progression of feedforward control.