Posture-kinetic effects on kicking movements of a lack of initial ground support under the moving leg

The posture-kinetic effects of having no initial ground support under the movement leg were studied during kicking movements. Considerable effects were observed on the efficiency of the voluntary movement, which was noticeably reduced, as well as on the organisation of the postural adjustments. The fact that the efficiency of the movement was lower than under normal conditions shows that the posture-kinetic reorganisation does not succeed in compensating for the lack of initial thrust of the foot against the floor. These results underline the important contribution of the postural adjustments to the performance of the movement itself, besides their role in maintaining equilibrium and posture. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science Ireland Ltd.