Auditory contributions to postural and locomotor control: from basic research to clinical applications

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Abstract
Auditory information plays a critical role in human posture and locomotion. Beyond its obvious contribution to spatial awareness, sound provides continuous cues about body orientation, movement dynamics and environmental context. This review summarizes current knowledge on how auditory inputs modulate postural stability, locomotor kinematics and muscle coordination through multisensory integration with visual, somatosensory and vestibular systems. We highlight evidence from behavioural, neurophysiological and clinical studies showing that auditory features, for example coming from spatialised sounds, rhythmic stimulation and auditory feedback, can influence gait timing, trajectory control and balance recovery. A dedicated section explores the interaction between the auditory and vestibular systems, focusing on shared neural pathways in brainstem and cerebellum that contribute to motion perception and equilibrium. We also discuss alterations of auditory-motor coupling in neurological and sensory disorders, including vestibular deficits, Parkinson’s Disease and developmental coordination disorders, and we consider the implications for auditory-based rehabilitation. Understanding how sound informs and stabilizes human movement may open new perspectives for multisensory training, neuroprosthetic design and fall prevention strategies.
Funding Information
  • Università degli Studi di Roma Tor Vergata

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