Enhancing balance and gait in ageing populations through rapid and localized tactile feedback

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There is significant evidence that applying vibrations to the sole of the foot (Hijmans et al., 2008; Priplataet al., 2006) or the knee (Gravelle et al., 2002) improves balance in participants with peripheral neuropathy.This effect has been utilised in the form of vibrating insoles which contain embedded motors that provide asub-threshold level of noise signals (Priplata et al., 2003). This demonstrates a potential solution to degradations in balance ability due to peripheral neuropathy. This form of assistive technology is particularly useful asit is non-invasive and does not require input from the user, meaning it will not increase cognitive load on patients.This project will build on this idea to characterise the sensorimotor reflexes that are produced by preciselytimed and localised vibrations applied to the foot sole. Once these reflexes are better understood, computational models can be created to make predictions of how reflexes will impact posture and gait under a range oftasks and conditions. These predictions can then be used to implement control strategies embedded in smartinsoles which aim to improve balance.There are three main aims to this project.Measure tactile sensorimotor reflexes under naturalistic and varied conditions.Build a computational model that relates tactile feedback to muscle activations at the ankle.Use the model predictions to design and create an insole capable of providing targeted feedback thatimproves postural stability in both static positions and during walking.Overall, this project will combine computational modelling with existing smart insole technology to identifyand test potential feedback strategies that improve and correct balance and gait in people with peripheralneuropathy