Improving balance tests for Veterans with inner-ear issues
Official title: Novel Kinematic Methods for Detecting Vestibular Loss in Veterans
Funded at Portland VA Medical Center · NIH-11053398 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking to improve how we check balance in Veterans who have issues with their inner ear, which can cause falls; by using special sensors to track movements, we hope to find even small changes in balance that could help us create better treatments and plans for those affected.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Portland VA Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Portland, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2025 |
| Project end | March 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| NIH project number | 1I21RX005452-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11053398 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are Veterans experiencing balance issues or vestibular loss, particularly those who may have been exposed to ototoxic medications or have undergone ear-related surgeries.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have vestibular loss or balance issues, or those who are not Veterans, may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research aims to enhance the methods used to assess balance function in Veterans suffering from vestibular loss, which can lead to falls and serious health complications. By utilizing advanced kinematic testing with body-worn sensors, the study will analyze movement and orientation during various activities to detect subtle changes in vestibular function. The goal is to create more sensitive tests that can identify minor losses in balance, potentially leading to better treatment options and surgical planning for affected individuals.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved detection of vestibular loss, allowing for timely interventions that may prevent falls and enhance the quality of life for Veterans.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using sensor technology for balance assessment, indicating that this approach could yield valuable insights and improvements in vestibular testing.
Where this research is happening
-
Portland VA Medical Center
Portland, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hullar, Timothy E — Portland VA Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Hullar, Timothy E
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.