Trial Parameters
Brief Summary
This study is being done to answer the question: What are the effects of electrical stimulation and stepping practice on connections between the brain and muscles? The long-term goal of this project is to develop novel, effective, and personalized rehabilitation protocols founded on an understanding of neurobiological mechanisms that combine electrical stimulation with gait training to improve gait performance in older adults and stroke survivors. The rationale of this project is to explore and generate preliminary data regarding how electrical stimulation-based strategies modulate cortical and spinal circuits in able-bodied individuals. The researchers will evaluate the effects of short treadmill walking bouts or single gait training sessions with and without electrical stimulation on somatosensory, spinal-reflex, corticospinal circuit neurophysiology, and/or gait performance. The study will provide important preliminary and normative data that can explain how brain circuits change with stimulation or stepping practice and inform future rehabilitation studies on patients. The study population is able-bodied individuals.
Eligibility Criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * 18-65 years * Able-bodied (healthy without any physical disability, neurological, orthopedic, or other medical disorder affecting walking or study protocol participation) * Ability to walk \>10m overground and for 1 minute on a treadmill * Ability to follow 3-stage commands and provide informed consent. Exclusion Criteria: * Self-reported history or evidence of orthopedic or physical disability * History or evidence of neurological pathology * Pregnancy (female) * Uncontrolled hypertension * Cardiac pacemaker or other implanted electronic system * Presence of skin conditions preventing electrical stimulation setup * Impaired sensation in the left upper limb. * Bruises or cuts at the stimulation electrode placement site * Concurrent enrollment in rehabilitation or another investigational study. * History or evidence of orthopedic or physical disability interfering with study procedures * History or evidence of neurological pathology or disorder * Severe uncontrolle