Sliding-rotating stimulation of neuromuscular system

People with neuromuscular problems stumble or fall when they suddenly encounter obstacles at home and the community or misjudge their ability to overcome them. This could be avoided if they are presented with similar conditions in controlled environment to determine their ability to overcome. This paper presents a frictionless sliding and rotating staging system and data to show feasibility. Operating virtually frictionless an integrated sliding and rotating system was developed to simulate sudden destabilizing conditions that cause fall in humans. Data from single subject show that graded acceleration and deceleration motion of the platform increased the level of destabilization enough to expose the innate ability of individuals standing on the platform to overcome graded levels of destabilizing forces. Quantifying an individual´s neuromuscular ability can be used to prescribe safe living environments for people prone to fall.