I’ve been along for the first section of the ankle muscle study I am participating in (full title: Central nervous system predictors of balance and age-related changes in the ankle muscles). The first thing was to get measured up for some temporary electrodes, which involved a few patches of leg shaving. Good job I won’t be wearing shorts for a while yet! Then I sat down on the researcher’s jig, got connected up and spent the best part of an hour doing various ankle contractions, all of which were recorded.

The electrodes were partly for measurement but also for stimulus. Yes, small electric shocks on the calf, top of my head and half-way down my spine. It wasn’t the most pleasant experience although it wasn’t too bad. Anyway, back again next week for a similar but slightly longer second session.