Participants needed for paid study on balance and walking

Sensory information from the eyes and inner ear (vestibular system) are important for maintaining balance as we move.

This study will investigate how information from the eyes and balance organs of the inner ear help to coordinate movement when we walk.

Who can take part?

You are eligible to participate if:

• you are a healthy volunteer
• you are aged 18-35 years old
• you have no known neurological, sensory, muscular or orthopaedic disorders
• you do not use varifocal contact lenses/glasses during everyday activities such as walking
• you have no history of dizziness (for example vertigo) or vestibular (inner ear) disorders
• you do not have skin a condition that risks the integrity of the skin behind the ears

What will it involve?

Taking part will involve a single visit to our laboratory lasting 2-3 hours.

Participants will be required to take a step to a target placed on the floor, while the movement of your body and feet is measured. You will be required to wear glasses that can block your vision for a short period during the step. Electrodes will also be placed on the skin behind your ears and a small electric current would be passed between the electrodes to perturb your sense of balance from the inner ear. The sensation from the electric current should not be painful.

All techniques used are non-invasive.

What else do I need to know?

Participants will be paid £10 per hour.

The testing session will take place at UCL's Institute of Neurology, 33 Queens Square, London, WC1N 3BG.

How do I sign up?

If you are interested in taking part or would like more information please email Matt Bancroft with the subject heading 'Falls and walking study'.

This study has been approved by the UCL Research Ethics Committee (Project ID Number: 5326/002). All data will be collected and stored in accordance with the Data Protection Act 1998.

Matt Bancroft, UCL Institute of Neurology