Augmenting Reactive Stepping With FES After SCI

The PBT program will consist of repetitive practice of reactive stepping for one hour. The participants will be equipped with the Odstock 2-Channel stimulator on one or both sides depending on their deficits. One channel of stimulation may be applied to the common fibular nerve to elicit a flexor withdraw reflex and elicit a step. The second channel of stimulation may be applied to the quadriceps muscles to assist with the supporting phase of the reactive step, as required. Participants will experience about 60 perturbations per session during balance exercises. To create a perturbation, the researcher will apply unexpected pushes or pulls to a safety harness around the participant's trunk. Throughout the hour-long session, participants will complete challenging balance tasks, customized to their ability level, during standing and walking. The training will be supervised by a licensed physiotherapist and administered by a licensed physiotherapist or registered kinesiologist.