Anchoring and Its Effects on Postural Stability
The following is a short summary of this study to help you decide whether or not to be a part of this study. More detailed information is listed later in this form.
Why am I being invited to take part in a research study?
We invite you to take part in a research study because you are 18–50 years old, and able to provide informed consent and independently read, write, and communicate in English. You are not eligible to participate if you have a history of neurological or vestibular conditions (stroke, Parkinson’s disease, vertigo, etc.), have experienced a lower extremity or spinal injury, orthopedic surgery, or musculoskeletal injury within the last 6 months, have current pain and/or dysfunction related to weight-bearing, are taking medications affecting balance/coordination/muscle performance (muscle relaxants, opioids, etc.), or if you have a cardiovascular or systemic medical condition that makes participation in physical activity unsafe.
Why is this research being done?
This research is being done to evaluate how specific techniques involving “pulling” the hips together and “pushing” them apart impact the ability of an individual to resist external forces to maintain a balanced standing posture. How long will the research last and what will I need to do? You will take part in one 1-hour session at the University of Central Florida’s Spine and Mobility Lab at room 231-A of Health Sciences I Building.
At this session, you will be randomly assigned into one of six groups. All groups will undergo the same total amount of testing, but group assignment will determine the order of the assessments. Those assessments consist of measurement of your ability to maintain steadiness in standing posture with an external force being applied at different forces on the body while utilizing anchoring techniques and without anchoring techniques. The first 18 participants in our study will repeat those assessments of postural stability twice for us to analyze the reliability of our testing procedure. At the conclusion of these assessments, you will be asked to complete a survey that pertains to your perception of the effectiveness of these novel anchoring techniques on your postural stability.
Inclusion Qualifications:
- Adults aged 18–50 years
- Able to provide informed consent and independently read, write, and communicate in English, since all study instructions and assessments will be administered in the English language.
Exclusion Qualifications:
You may not participate in this research opportunity if any of the following applies to you:- History of neurological or vestibular conditions affecting balance (For example: stroke, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, vertigo, etc.) or uncorrected/inadequately corrected visual deficits impacting postural control.
- Lower extremity or spinal injury, orthopedic surgery, or musculoskeletal condition within the past 6–12 months that may affect balance, force production, or safe participation.
- Current pain or dysfunction limiting the ability to safely stand or perform weight-bearing tasks.
- Use of medications that may affect balance, coordination, or muscle performance (For example: muscle relaxants, opioids, sedatives).
- Any cardiovascular or systemic medical condition that makes participation unsafe (For example: uncontrolled hypertension, dizziness, syncope), or inability to stand independently for the duration of testing.
Participate in this Research
Submitting this form will put you in contact with the main point of contact for this project. They will provide more information and determine if you meet all of the qualifications needed."*" indicates required fields
May 5, 2027
Health Sciences 1
12805 Pegasus Drive
Rm 266
Orlando, FL 32816
Number of visits: 1
Expected time per visit: 1 hours
Zackary Lawrence
Physical Therapy
