Intermittent Visual Perturbations to Enhance Balance Training
University of Florida
Summary
The purpose of this research study is to determine if intermittent visual perturbations can improve balance training. The investigators will quantify differences in body movement, muscle activity, and beam walking performance during and after practice walking on a balance beam that is 1" high. The investigators will ask the participants to come to the laboratory twice (2 sessions). The first session will not last more than 3 hours. The second session will not last more than 1 hour and will be two weeks after the first session. In total, the maximum amount of time the participant would be asked to participate is 4 hours.
Description
The investigators will recruit both younger (18-30 years of age) and older (65-89 years of age) participants. Half of the subjects will be male and half will be female. All subjects will walk on a treadmill-mounted beam for training and testing with a width determined by the challenge point approach. The beam width will vary for all participants based on the functional abilities of each individual. When all subjects are consented into the study, the participant will walk across 6 different beams with differing widths laid on the ground. After practicing each width five times, the participant…
Eligibility
- Age range
- 18–89 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Yes
Inclusion Criteria: * Ages 18-30 years, or 65-89 years. * Ability to walk independently for 10 minutes continuously. * Willingness to be randomized to any experimental group and to participate in all aspects of study assessment and intervention Exclusion Criteria: -Major cognitive disorder that interferes with independence, based on affirmative response (always/usually/sometimes) to the following question: "As a result of confusion or memory loss, how often do you need assistance with day-to-day activities such as cooking, cleaning, taking medications, driving, or paying bills? Would you sa…
Interventions
- DeviceVisual Occlusion Goggles
The visual occlusion goggles alternate between sight and visual occlusion in a regular and programmable pattern. Based on the electrical properties of the goggles, they are also able to have the tint adjusted instead of blacking out entirely for the occlusion times during the programmed timings.
- BehavioralBalance Beam Walking
Participants will walk on a treadmill mounted balance beam to assess their balance
Location
- The University of FloridaGainesville, Florida