Grant: Undergraduate: Mobility, musculoskeletal health and arthritis - ICS

Detecting and responding to an unexpected slip is critical to avoid falling. As we age sensation from the foot sole declines, does this affect how effectively we respond to unexpected slips? This proposed studentship will investigate the importance of sensation from the foot sole in detecting when a slip is occurring and how quickly a response is generated with and without foot sole sensation. This will be achieved by reducing sensation (via ice water submersion) and heightening sensation (via specially designed insoles) in adult participants who will be exposed to unexpected slips during walking. The results of this study will provide information about the potential importance of foot sole sensation in the effective production of balance responses to unexpected slips.