Allan Adkin, PhD

Professor, Kinesiology

Profile Place Holder

Office: WC 237
905 688 5550 x4990
aadkin@brocku.ca

Balance is an important requirement for many of our daily activities. Little thought is normally given as to how we control balance until a problem emerges or until we are faced with a situation that challenges or threatens our balance. My research program is focused on understanding the interplay between the different neural mechanisms, such as the emotional, cognitive, and sensory-motor systems, underlying balance control. This information can provide direction for the development of strategies to better assess and manage balance problems and falls in older adults and individuals with musculoskeletal or neurological deficits.

Research Interests

  • Investigating the effects of anxiety and fear on balance control strategies.
  • Examining the effects of attention focus on balance control strategies.
  • Exploring the relationship between anxiety, attention focus, and balance control when threatened.
  • Investigating the effects of balance training on psychological and cognitive outcomes in older adults.

Professional affiliations and accreditation/certification

  • International Society for Posture and Gait Research (ISPGR)

Publications

Phanthanourak AL, Cleworth TW, Adkin AL, Carpenter MG, Tokuno CD. The threat of a support surface translation affects anticipatory postural control. Gait & Posture 2016; 50: 145-150.

Zaback M, Carpenter MG, Adkin AL. Threat-induced changes in attention during tests of static and anticipatory postural control. Gait & Posture 2016; 45: 19-24.

Mildren RL, Zaback M, Adkin AL, Frank JS, Bent LR. Reliability of the Achilles tendon tap reflex evoked during stance using a pendulum hammer. Gait & Posture 2016; 43: 182-186.

Cook O, Frost G, Twose D, Wallman L, Falk B, Galea V, Adkin AL, Klentrou P. CAN-flip: A pilot gymnastics program for children with cerebral palsy. Adapted Physical Activity Quarterly 2015; 32: 349-370.

Zaback M, Cleworth TW, Carpenter MG, Adkin AL. Personality traits and individual differences predict threat-induced changes in postural control. Human Movement Science 2015; 40: 393-409. (Principal Author)

Lamarche L, Gammage KL, Klentrou P, Adkin AL. What will they think? The relationship between self-presentational concerns and balance and mobility outcomes in older woman. Experimental Aging Research 2014; 40: 426-35.

Weaver TB, Adkin AL, Patterson JT, Tokuno CD. The influence of instruction on arm reactions in individuals with Parkinson’s disease. Human Movement Science 2014; 37: 101-110.

Lamarche L, Gionfriddo AM, Cline LE, Gammage KL, Adkin AL. What would you do? The effect of verbal persuasion on task choice. Gait & Posture 2014; 39: 583-587.

Lamarche L, Zaback M, Gammage KL, Klentrou P, Adkin AL. A method to investigate discrepancies between perceived and actual balance in older women. Gait & Posture 2013; 38: 888-893.

Weaver TB, Janzen MR, Adkin AL, Tokuno CD. Changes in spinal excitability during dual task performance. Journal of Motor Behavior 2012; 44: 289-294.

Shaw JA, Stefanyk LE, Frank JS, Jog MS, Adkin AL. Effects of age and pathology on stance modifications in response to increased postural threat. Gait & Posture 2012; 35: 658-661.

Teaching

  • Foundations of Motor Behaviour
  • Balance and Gait
  • Neural Control of Posture, Balance and Gait