Which statement best defines postural stability?

• A. Balance – the ability to keep the center of mass within the limits of stability
• B. The ability to rotate joints rapidly
• C. The ability to move across a surface quickly
• D. The amount of force generated by muscles

Answer: (A)

Postural stability is about maintaining balance by keeping the body's center of mass within the base of support, i.e., within the limits of stability. This relies on integrating sensory input and motor responses to continuously adjust posture so the center of mass stays over the supporting base and a fall is avoided. The other statements describe different abilities—joint rotation speed, rapid movement across a surface, or overall muscle force—not the control of balance and the position of the center of mass relative to the base.