EquipmenT

In our laboratory we have a complete methodological approach to study balance and walking by combining various neurophysiological techniques: 

• Electrical stimulation of peripheral nerves (with electrodes)
• Galvanic vestibular stimulations (electrical stimulations targeting the inner ear to simulate a perturbation of the balance)
• Non-invasive brain stimulation

We evaluate the neural network while participants are performing different tasks such as:

• Maintaining their balance on a moving platform
• Walking on a split-belt treadmill 
• Performing a muscle contraction with the arm or leg 

In addition, we evaluate the participants’ performance on each of the tasks using different biomechanical approaches, such as:

• Surface electromyography (EMG) (a non-invasive technique that records muscular activity using electrodes placed on the skin surface overlying the muscle)
• Force measurements and 3D analysis of whole body movements