Richmond, Sutton B., authorFling, Brett W., advisorPeterson, Daniel, committee memberLeach, Heather, committee memberBurzynska, Agnieszka, committee member2020-06-222021-06-152020https://hdl.handle.net/10217/208544Interacting with environments that are constantly varying is difficult and, as bipedal mammals, keeping an upright posture requires a great deal of spatial and temporal acuity. The studies encompassing this doctoral dissertation provide mechanistic insight into the gait and balance of both neuro-typical and -atypical (i.e. people living with multiple sclerosis) adults to understand the neural underpinnings contributing to reduced locomotion and postural control, thereby increasing risks of falls and injury. Enhanced comprehension of the underlying mechanisms for postural control were attained through the abridgment of multiple scientific disciplines including biomechanics, neuromechanics, and neuroimaging to apply advanced concepts to identify biomarkers for future therapeutic interventions. The outcomes from this work demonstrate that, in comparison to neurotypical adults, the people with multiple sclerosis walked with a more conservative and asymmetric gait pattern regardless of speed or cognitive load. Poorer microstructural integrity of transcallosal sensorimotor white matter fiber tracts was strongly associated with these behavioral deficits, thereby establishing a structure-function relationship that comprised both static and dynamic postural control. Implications from this research provide a base of knowledge for how the brain successfully coordinates and controls movements, laying a foundation for future neurorehabilitation approaches that increase independence and overall quality of life.born digitaldoctoral dissertationsengCopyright and other restrictions may apply. User is responsible for compliance with all applicable laws. For information about copyright law, please see https://libguides.colostate.edu/copyright.corpus callosummultiple sclerosistime-to-boundarydiffusion tensor imagingbilateral coordinationPhase Coordination IndexWhat's the matter with white matter? An evaluation of postural control mechanisms in multiple sclerosisText