Gait and Posture

The purpose of this research study is to investigate actions of non-invasive transspinal stimulation over the thoracolumbar region at different intensities and frequencies on spinal reflexes and muscle activity at rest and during walking. The results of this study may result in the development of better rehabilitation strategies for people who have a neurological disorder.

Spinal cord injury greatly impairs standing and walking ability, which severely compromises daily living activities. While these deficits are partially improved by locomotor training, even after multiple training sessions, abnormal muscle activity and coordination still persist. Thus, locomotor training alone cannot fully optimize the neuronal plasticity required to strengthen the synapses connecting the brain, spinal cord, and local circuits. As such, treatment interventions that effectively promote neuromodulation of spinal locomotor networks and strengthen neural connectivity of the injured human spinal cord in combination with physical rehabilitation are greatly needed.

BACKGROUND: There is scientific evidence that older adults aged 65 and over walk with increased step width variability which has been …

Interventions to prevent falls have been a major focus of research in recent years. This topic is particularly pressing due to the aging population and the growing awareness of the societal burdens resulting from falls. Fall prevention research has resulted in a plethora of interventions ranging from exercise programs to education and home safety modifications. The goal of this pilot trial is to explore the feasibility to deliver a novel exercise intervention to reduce fall risk in older adults living in the community.

One-third of Americans aged over 65 fall each year. Falls threaten functional independence, decrease quality of life, and financially burden patients and their caregivers. Walking is the most common fall-related activity among older adults. Additionally, older adults experience greater step width variability when walking. Importantly, increased step width variability during walking has been found to be a strong predictor of fall risk and incidence. Therefore, an intervention aimed at reducing increased step width variability may consequently reduce fall risk for older adults, which is critically important for themselves, their caregivers, and the community.