Foot Skin Temperature and Balance Control

The purpose of this study is to investigate whether mechanoreceptor sensitivity of the sole of the feet increases with increased foot temperature and how a heightened sensation may improve characteristics of balance control and gait. As an extension, the investigators also want to determine whether lower limb movement is an efficient activity of increasing foot temperature. There are several objectives of this study. The investigators want to determine the effect of active recovery (via lower limb movements) on increasing plantar temperature, determine the effect of increased plantar temperature on plantar sensation and determine the effect of increased plantar sensation on balance control and gait characteristics. Participants will be asked to complete various tasks under different conditions. Conditions include decreased feet temperature via ice bath emersion, baseline feet temperature (participant's normal temperature after a ten minute equilibration period), and increased feet temperature via active movement of the lower limb. Tasks include walking across the room, performing active movement of the lower limb and a 10 minute treadmill walk. Gait movement will be collected with a three-dimensional motion capture system (Optotrak) and force plates. Feet temperature and sensation information will be collected with a temperature probe (infrared) and monofilaments.