VCU Steps Ahead Lab

The mission of the Steps Ahead Lab is to study the mechanisms that limit safe, independent mobility in older adults and people with neurologic conditions, particularly Parkinson disease. The lab seeks to identify modifiable neural, sensory, and biomechanical contributors to mobility impairment and translate these insights into mechanism-driven rehabilitation strategies that reduce fall risk and enhance quality of life.

Current Projects

Sensory Weighting in Rotational Locomotion (SWiRL)

This project seeks to determine the role of vision, body position sense (also known as proprioception), and the inner ear (i.e., vestibular system) on the ability to make turns while walking. Results of this work aim to inform future treatments to improve safety and efficiency of turning for older adults and people with Parkinson disease.

Research assistant Patrick Pham stands on a blue mat divided into four quadrants, wearing straps around his shoes, goggles and a thick belt around his waist. Research assistant Joe Hall stands next to him holding the belt and pointing down towards the front of the blue mat.

Seeking Young adults (18-35 years old) and Older Adults (65+ years old) with no history or neurologic or orthopedic injury impacting the ability to walk safely; People with Parkinson disease (any age).

If you are interested in our work, either as a participant or as a student, please contact the Principal Investigator, Dr. Duppen, at duppenc@vcu.edu or via phone at (804) 628-3594.