Which of the following statements best describes movement according to the break hypothesis?

• A. Move by releasing brakes on all reflexes
• B. Move by applying a brake to some postural reflexes and releasing the brake on voluntary movement
• C. Move by removing brakes from all postural reflexes and voluntary movement
• D. Move independently of reflex control

Answer: (B)

The idea behind the break hypothesis is that movement emerges from selectively releasing inhibitory control (brakes) on the reflex systems that help keep us upright, while maintaining or applying brakes to parts that would interfere with the intended action. In practice, you dampen or release the postural reflexes that would otherwise dominate your posture, and you lift the brake on the voluntary motor command so the limb can execute the goal-directed movement. This allows a coordinated action to unfold with balance preserved, rather than letting all reflexes drive the response or leaving reflex control fully active. For example, when reaching while standing, you release the brake on the voluntary movement of the arm but keep brakes on certain postural reflexes that would pull you off balance. The other scenarios—removing brakes from all postural reflexes, or releasing brakes on all reflexes, or moving entirely independent of reflex control—would disrupt balance or make movement uncontrolled.