Brain stimulation to improve orientation and mobility in adults with vision impairment
Official title: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Pilot Study to Evaluate Non-invasive Brain Stimulation Effects on Orientation and Mobility Performance in Adults With Visual Impairments
Run by University of Waterloo · NCT07341763 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This pilot test checks if a non-invasive brain stimulation method can help people with constricted visual fields move around more easily using a cane and other cues.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 20 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | University of Waterloo Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Waterloo, Ontario) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | November 1, 2026 |
| Main results expected | August 31, 2027 |
| Study ends | August 31, 2027 |
| Registry record updated | November 3, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07341763 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Adults with binocular constricted visual fields from RP, rod-cone dystrophy, or advanced glaucoma and who are capable of using a cane for mobility.
✕Probably not a fit
Individuals without constricted peripheral vision or with unstable health conditions that preclude brain stimulation may not benefit.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This is a within-subject crossover pilot study testing high-frequency transcranial random noise stimulation (hf-tRNS) applied to the primary visual cortex (V1). Participants undergo three visits: screening, active stimulation, and sham stimulation in random order. Each stimulation lasts 20 minutes with O&M performance measured on a standardized obstacle course at 2 and 30 minutes post-stimulation. Eligible adults have binocular constricted field loss due to RP, rod-cone dystrophy, or advanced glaucoma, with specified visual acuity and field criteria, and are fluent in entering with or without prior Orientation and Mobility training.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the approach could offer a non-invasive way to improve navigation and independence for people with limited peripheral vision.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work has explored non-invasive brain stimulation for visual function, but this specific application to O&M with HF-tRNS in this population is exploratory.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Are healthy, capacitated adults with binocular constricted visual field loss (due to either retinitis pigmentosa (RP), rod-cone dystrophy, or advanced glaucoma) resulting in functional vision losses. These individuals with visual impairments can be those who have been previously trained by an Orientation and Mobility (O\&M) specialist to independently travel with the long white cane daily (since the length of the white cane and tip at the base are based on personal preference, they should be willing to use their own white cane for the study), and those who do not necessarily use a cane for travelling. * Have binocular visual acuity or best corrected binocular visual acuity no worse than 6/12 or 20/40 or +0.30 logMAR (inclusive) with no eccentric viewing and visual fields no better than 50 degrees in total in each eye as given by the Humphrey Field analyzer and arc perimeter test. The Humphrey Field Analyzer measures static visual field test, whereas the Arc perimeter test measures kinetic visual field test. Measuring kinetic and static visual field would promote a greater understanding of the individual's daily performance. * Are over the age of 18 (inclusive) and has full legal capacity to provide informed consent. * Have read and fully comprehends the information in the consent letter. * Are willing and capable of adhering to instructions and maintaining the outlined appointment schedule. Exclusion Criteria: * Are involved in other recent eye-related studies, either clinical or research-related. To be eligible they would have to wait at least one week for studies not involving brain stimulation, and four weeks for studies in which they receive brain stimulation before they could participate in this study. * Have been diagnosed with dementia or self-reported dementia with no formal diagnosis. * Have been diagnosed with a cognitive impairment or self-reported cognitive impairment with no formal diagnosis. * Have been diagnosed with physical or motor impairments resulting in walking and/or balancing issues or self-reported physical or motor impairments resulting in walking and/or balancing issues with no formal diagnosis. * Have been diagnosed with vestibular disorders or dysfunctions which affects one's balance and/or mobility or self-reported vestibular disorders or dysfunctions which affects one's balance and/or mobility with no formal diagnosis. * Are unable to follow the researcher's instructions. * Are anticipating treatment (including ocular surgery) for any eye disease within the duration of the study. * Have any ocular pathology in addition to retinitis pigmentosa (RP), rod-cone dystrophy, or advanced glaucoma, which can diminish their visual acuity and/or their visual field, however wearing glasses or contact lenses, as well as mild cataract of grade 2 or below is acceptable. * Have severe hearing impairment. * Are pregnant or trying to get pregnant. * Fit any of the typical contraindicators for brain stimulation. See contraindicator section below. For all participants the contraindications for brain stimulation are: * Diagnosed with epilepsy or have previously experienced an epileptic seizure. * Implanted medication pump or implanted electronic device, including defibrillator or pacemaker. * Any metal implants in the head (excluding tooth fillings). * Active electric implants anywhere in the body (especially the head region). * On psychoactive medication for any psychiatric or neurological conditions including but not limited to depression and schizophrenia. * Areas of sensitive skin located on the face or head, or a skin condition on the face, or regularly use medication to alleviate skin irritation on the face. * Recurring headaches. * Previous head injury or skull fracture or head/brain surgery. * Heart disease, neurological condition, or a history of cardiac or neurological surgery. * Current or historical cancerous or noncancerous brain tumor, or other abnormalities in brain structure.
Where it's running
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University of Waterloo, School of Optometry and Vision Science
Waterloo, Ontario, Canada Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Benjamin Thompson, PhD — University of Waterloo
- Study coordinator: Benjamin Thompson, PhD
- Email: ben.thompson@uwaterloo.ca
- Phone: 1+5198884567
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.