Instruments

ActiveStep treadmill is a specialized device wherein the treadmill belt can induce slips and trips during stance and while walking. Given the operator controlled nature of the treadmill, all the participants exposed to treadmill perturbations receive the same intensity of desired perturbations contrary to participant controlled nature of the over-ground system.  This advantage helps in designing standardized balance training and testing programs. Moreover, the treadmill can be used in clinical settings as it is space and cost-effective.

Cortex motion analysis software system is equipped with eight-infrared-cameras that identify and track real- time motion data.

Over-ground perturbation device is a customized walkway with a pair of built-in low-friction platform and a hinged metal plate used to induce slip and trip, respectively, during over-ground walking. Force platforms (AMTI, Newton, MA) and overhead harness system are equipped with an over-ground perturbation device to detect perturbation onset, ground reaction force, loading force.

Qualisys motion capture system is equipped with an eight-infrared-camera system and Qualisys track manager software for 3D skeletal data recording and real-time motion data streaming.

Assisted movement with enhanced sensation (AMES) device was developed as an intervention that combines robotic-assisted movement with muscle vibration intended to remediate impairments in the limbs. This device combines assisted movement, biofeedback of active torque or electromyographic activity, and muscle vibration to remediate weakness, hyperactive tone, co-contraction, and somatosensory loss.

A battery of neuropsychological tests are used to determine performance on fall risk associated cognitive domains such as executive function, information processing, paired associated learning, inhibitory responses, etc.

The Biodex System 3 isokinetic dynamometer is a contemporary isokinematic dynamometer used in both clinical and research setting. It provides accurate measurements of joint position, torque and velocity.

Heart rate variability (HRV) was developed as a noninvasive method used to assess the autonomic modulation of the cardiac function. Heart rate variability reflects the number of heart rate (HR) fluctuations around the mean HR. The HR fluctuations reflect altered balance of the autonomic nervous system tone and is a widely accepted method for quantifying neural cardiac control.

Bone density (heel bone) – Ultrasound Screening for Risk of Fracture

Using harmless ultrasound waves, not radiation, bone loss can be detected via ultrasound. This exam is not to be substituted for a conventional DEXA body scan. The best screening tools that are available to provide early markers for risks of osteoporosis are done in the field with machines such as the one we use.

Balance Master is a specialized piece of equipment with a force platform and provides visual feedback in response to the patient’s body movement at various balance disturbing conditions.  The equipment is pre-designed with several balance tests to assess different domains of balance control (voluntary and reactive balance control) and is operator controlled.  With the help of the force plate, the machine records the degree of movement at various conditions for each of the specific tests chosen.  Furthermore, this equipment has been widely used for training proprioception and balance control in clinical settings.