Midfrontal theta dynamics index the monitoring of postural stability

Stepping is a common strategy to recover postural stability and maintain upright balance. Postural perturbations have been linked to neuroelectrical markers such as the N1 potential and theta frequency dynamics. Here, we investigated the role of cortical midfrontal theta dynamics of balance monitoring, driven by balance perturbations at different initial standing postures. We recorded electroencephalography, electromyography, and motion tracking of human participants while they stood on a platform that delivered a range of forward and backward whole-body balance perturbations. The participants’ postural threat was manipulated prior to the balance perturbation by instructing them to lean forward or backward while keeping their feet-in-place in response to the perturbation. We hypothesized that midfrontal theta dynamics index the engagement of a behavioral monitoring system and, therefore, that perturbation-induced theta power would be modulated by the initial leaning posture and perturbation intensity. Targeted spatial filtering in combination with mixed-effects modeling confirmed our hypothesis and revealed distinct modulations of theta power according to postural threat. Our results provide novel evidence that midfrontal theta dynamics subserve action monitoring of human postural balance. Understanding of cortical mechanisms of balance control is crucial for studying balance impairments related to aging and neurological conditions (e.g. stroke).