Method and system for training an individual

A method of training an individual comprising the steps of:

• receiving data indicative of a training suitability state of an individual upon a support platform, data indicative of electrical activity of the muscle, and data indicative of a tilt angle of the support platform about a horizontal axis, wherein the support platform bears substantially the entire body weight of the individual while standing, where the support platform is tiltable in response to contraction of a muscle in the individual's body redistributing the individual's body weight upon the support platform;
• commanding electrical stimulation of a spinal reflex pathway innervating the muscle in the individual, responsive to the data, and such that the muscle reflexively contracts to tilt the support platform, wherein the muscle includes the soleus muscle, and the step of commanding includes commanding electrical stimulation of a sensory nerve through the individual's skin on the back of the knee;
• perturbing a balance of the individual while standing, via the electrical stimulation;
• and
• electronically recording a value indicative of an amplitude of the reflexive contraction.

A system for training an individual comprising:

• a support platform configured to support an individual for training, and tiltable in response to contraction of a muscle in the individual's body redistributing the individual's body weight upon the support platform;
• a plurality of sensing mechanisms, wherein the plurality of sensing mechanisms includes a first sensor configured to monitor a tilt parameter of the support platform, a second sensor configured to monitor a muscle activity parameter of the muscle, and a third sensor configured to monitor an ankle joint angle parameter in the individual;
• an electrical stimulation mechanism configured to electrically stimulate a spinal reflex pathway in the individual;
• and
• a computing device configured to receive data from the plurality of sensing mechanisms indicative of a training suitability state of the individual, and being in control communication with the electrical stimulation mechanism;
• the computing device being further configured to command electrical stimulation of the spinal reflex pathway responsive to the data, such that the muscle reflexively contracts to tilt the support platform, and to record a value indicative of an amplitude of the reflexive contraction.