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Why do we unconsciously sway when we stand? The secret regulation system of the human body revealed!
Standing, also known as the upright posture, is a state in which the body remains upright and supported only by the feet. However, this seemingly stationary posture is actually energy swinging back and forth within a small range. This movement is often compared to the swing of an inverted pendulum. When standing, our bodies often shake unconsciously. So, what is the physiological mechanism behind this phenomenon?
The center of gravity of the human body is forward, which makes the standing posture not only rely on a stable support surface, but also rely on the control of dynamic balance.
The human body structure is unique and complex. Compared with other animals, we only use two legs to support the entire center of gravity of the body, which makes it easy for us to lose balance when standing. When standing for long periods of time or when the external environment changes, our bodies rely on a variety of mechanisms to maintain this upright posture. One of the important mechanisms is the elasticity of muscles, but relying on this alone is not enough.
The latest research shows that the elastic effect of muscles alone is not enough to prevent falls, and that human rocking motion is actually much more complicated than expected.
So, what role does the human nervous system play in this? According to current theory, the nervous system constantly and unconsciously monitors the direction and speed of our movements. Whenever the body leans forward or backward, the nervous system sends signals that allow us to adjust in time to prevent losing balance. This tiny movement, although invisible to the naked eye, is the key to maintaining our stability.
In addition, the stability of the core muscles is also a factor that cannot be ignored. The core muscles are responsible for supporting the spine. These deep muscles act like a compressed band, making the overall posture more stable. If there is dysfunction in these muscles, it may cause various pain problems.
The balance of pressure and stability are closely linked, and when core muscles are not functioning well, the function of the entire body is affected.
A new research model currently replaces the inverted pendulum model of the ankle and incorporates the mechanism of center of gravity swing into a double-link model including the hips and ankles to explain. This further reflects that the human body is not limited to the activity of a certain joint. The model reveals that changes in human posture are produced by the coordinated operation of multiple joints, and that this movement pattern is more than a simple random sway.
The swaying patterns may have fractal structures, which are patterns that appear repeatedly at different magnifications, providing a new explanation for the body's balance control.
However, continued standing posture may also trigger some pathological conditions, such as orthostatic hypotension, which causes blood pressure to become too low, leading to symptoms such as dizziness and fainting. In addition, standing for long periods of time may also cause foot pain, leg stiffness, and lower back pain.
Although standing itself does not cause danger, long-term standing behavior can easily cause corresponding physical discomfort.
Many modern work environments encourage employees to use standing desks to improve productivity and health. However, when using a standing desk, you also need to pay attention to adjusting your posture, move regularly, and avoid staying still for a long time to reduce behavioral-related risks and discomfort.
Taken together, the slight sway of the human body when standing is not only the result of physiological adjustment, but also the result of the synergy between the nervous system and core muscles. This article explores the internal mechanisms of standing and micro-swaying of the human body. So, have you thought about whether we can have a deeper understanding of our body functions and improve them?
