Investigation of balance strategies following postural perturbation
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Investigation of balance maintenance strategies in the spine and lower limbs during postural perturbation in patients with chronic lower back pain
IRAS ID
124850
Contact name
Alison McGregor
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Imperial College London & Imperial College NHS Trust
Research summary
This project investigates the kinematics (i.e. body movements) and muscle activation of the spine and lower limbs after volunteers have been subjected to a sudden perturbation (balance disturbance). The overall goal of the study is to examine the various postural strategies that subjects use to maintain balance, and perturbations are one of the best mechanisms by which to elicit an automatic postural response. The balance disturbance will be introduced to the volunteer via a perturbation platform that translates forward. The platform movement will mimic the movement one may experience while standing on a bus or tube as it begins to move.
It has been shown that individuals with a history of lower back pain exhibit different strategies for maintaining balance compared to individuals who have never experienced back pain. However, these studies have examined isolated areas of the body (only the spine or only the lower limbs). In this study, Vicon, an optical motion tracking system, will be used to track the movement of the spine, pelvis, and lower limbs. In addition, EMG will be utilized to examine the patterns of muscle activation.
It is expected that several different strategies will be seen for postural recovery (i.e. trunk stiffening, specific hip movements, etc.). In particular, clear differences in strategy are expected between persons with a history of lower back pain and those without history of back pain. These strategies will be related to other types of everyday movement by collecting additional gait and sit-to-stand data, also using motion capture and EMG technology. Better understanding of these strategies will allow for clearer insight into the various sources of pain and how these areas may be targeted in rehabilitation therapies.
REC name
London - Stanmore Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
13/LO/0793
Date of REC Opinion
17 Jul 2013
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion