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
Photo Credit: Centre de recherche interdisciplinaire en réadaptation (www.crir.ca)