Selective preservation of changes to standing balance control despite psychological and autonomic habituation to a postural threat

Humans exhibit changes in postural control when confronted with threats to stability. This study used a prolonged threat exposure protocol to manipulate emotional state within a threatening context to determine if any threat-induced standing behaviours are employed independent of emotional state. Retention of balance adaptations was also explored. Thirty-seven adults completed a series of 90-s standing trials at two surface heights (LOW: 0.8 m above ground, away from edge; HIGH: 3.2 m above ground, at edge) on two visits 2–4 weeks apart. Psychological and autonomic state was assessed using self-report and electrodermal measures. Balance control was assessed using centre of pressure (COP) and lower limb electromyographic recordings. Upon initial threat exposure, individuals leaned backward, reduced low-frequency centre of pressure (COP) power, and increased high-frequency COP power and plantar/dorsiflexor coactivation. Following repeated exposure, the psychological and autonomic response to threat was substantially reduced, yet only high-frequency COP power and plantar/dorsiflexor coactivation habituated. Upon re-exposure after 2–4 weeks, there was partial recovery of the emotional response to threat and few standing balance adaptations were retained. This study suggests that some threat-induced standing behaviours are coupled with the psychological and autonomic state changes induced by threat, while others may reflect context-appropriate adaptations resistant to habituation.