Somatosensory evoked potentials during standing posture on different support surface.

Somatosensory evoked potentials in response to stimulation of the posterior tibial nerve at the ankle were recorded during standing on stable ground or on unstable support surface (seesaw) or on support surface short in relation to foot length. During standing on the seesaw and on the short support surface a decrease in the amplitude of the early component (N32-P39) was observed. The amplitude of N49-P58 decreased during standing on the short support surface. The amplitude of the later components (N49-P58; P58-N76; N76-P117) decreased during standing on the seesaw in comparison to that during standing on the stable ground and on the short support surface. Thus, the attenuation of the cerebral potential during standing depend on the conditions for maintenance of posture.