Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) Seated Balance Study

The purpose of this research study is to develop an entirely new seated balance assessment tool tailored specifically for individuals with Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) using new technology.

This study covers the initial testing of Dr. Hatch’s idea to compare the new technology to older existing technologies to help her team learn more about how to test balance in individuals with SCI. This new technology is unique in that it is portable and can be used in the community, not just in hospital or clinical settings.

Seated balance is extremely important for a wide variety of tasks that people with spinal cord injury (SCI) do every single day. This includes bladder and bowel care, dressing, eating, and picking things up off the floor. It is such an important factor in one’s ability to be independent! However, there are so few tools available for measuring balance in people with SCI.

This study covers the initial testing of the new technology (like the Microsoft Kinect or Xbox 360) sensor to properly capture seated balance during a variety of testing items. You will be in a testing room with only our team and someone with be there to guard you the whole time.

No prior experience is necessary.

Patient performing a reaching task in color Body tracking from the Microsoft Kinect Portable senors used for study.