Adaptation of emotional state and standing balance parameters following repeated exposure to height-induced postural threat

Height-induced postural threat influences standing balance control. However, it is unknown if minimizing individuals’ emotional response to threat moderates this relationship. This study repeatedly exposed individuals to height-induced postural threat to determine if reducing the emotional response to threat influences standing balance control. Sixty-eight young adults completed a series of standing trials at LOW (0.8 m above ground, away from edge) and HIGH (3.2 m above ground, at edge) postural threat conditions. Emotional state was assessed using self-report and electrodermal measures. Standing balance was assessed through analysis of centre of pressure (COP) movement and lower leg electromyographic activity. Individuals’ emotional response to threat was attenuated following repeated threat exposure. However, threat-induced changes in standing balance were largely preserved. When initially threatened, individuals leaned backward and demonstrated smaller amplitude and higher frequency of COP adjustments; these balance outcomes did not change following repeated threat exposure. Only high frequency COP oscillations (>1.8 Hz) and ankle muscle co-contraction showed any adaptation; regression analyses showed that these behavioural adaptations were accounted for by a combination of emotional and cognitive state changes. This suggests that some threat-induced standing balance changes are more closely linked with the emotional response to threat than others, and are therefore amendable to intervention.