Investigating proactive balance control in individuals with incomplete spinal cord injury while walking on a known slippery surface.

Background: Up to 83 % of individuals with incomplete spinal cord injury (iSCI) experience ≥ 1 fall/year. Individuals with iSCI employ more cautious walking strategies than able-bodied (AB) individuals during normal walking. Whether individuals with iSCI can use proactive balance strategies to adapt to expected slip perturbations/reduce slip severity while walking has not been previously assessed.

Are there attentional demands associated with haptic modalities while walking in young, healthy adults?

Study Design: A prospective, observational study.

Objectives: To assess the attentional demands of using haptic modalities during walking using a multi-task paradigm in young, healthy adults.

Setting: Biomechanics of Balance and Movement (BBAM) Lab, University of Saskatchewan.