Exploring how blind individuals use canes to enhance sensory perception
Touching the World With a (Blind) Cane: Cognitive and Neural Processes
This study is testing how blind people use canes to help them sense their surroundings better and navigate obstacles.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 300 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 60 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Hospices Civils de Lyon Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Bron) |
| Trial ID | NCT05199896 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study investigates the cognitive and neural processes involved when blind individuals use a white cane as a tool for sensory perception. It aims to understand how the cane serves as an extension of the user's body, allowing them to gather environmental information and navigate obstacles. The research employs behavioral protocols alongside EEG and fMRI techniques to analyze the sensory feedback and cognitive responses associated with cane use. By focusing on both the motor and sensory aspects of tool use, the study seeks to fill a gap in existing research on the experiences of visually impaired individuals.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates include blind individuals aged 18 to 60 who have experienced vision loss at birth or in early childhood.
Not a fit: Patients with a history of neurological, psychiatric, or linguistic problems, or those on psychotropic medications, may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could enhance the understanding of sensory compensation in blind individuals, potentially leading to improved training methods and tools for navigation.
How similar studies have performed: While there has been extensive research on tool use in sighted individuals, this study's focus on the sensory aspects of cane use in blind individuals is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Man or woman, aged 18 to 60 years old * Give an informed consent by signature * Be part of the national health security system (registered to the Securité Sociale) * do not confuse his right and his left Specific of the non-sighted participants: * Loss of vision happened at birth or 3-to 5 years later minimum in life * Must have a visual acuity inferior or equal to 4/10 * Be with a close relation for read information letter and sign the consent form if needed Exclusion Criteria: * A person presenting an history of neurological, psychiatric or linguistic problems cannot be admitted * Assumption of psychotropic drugs * Pregnancy or breast-feeding woman * A person under legal tutoring * A person under care in other medical structure for reasons different from those of this research * A person under administrative or judiciary contention * A person who is not eligible to a MRI-exam according to the following criteria cannot be admitted to the experiments including MR acquisitions : * Have a neurological, cardiac (battery) or defibrillator pacemaker * Have a cardiac prosthesis (valve, stent...) or vascular prosthesis * Have intracranial clips or clamps * Carry a bypass of the cerebrospinal fluid * Having metallic splinters in the eyes * Wear metal prostheses (teeth, knees) * Wear an infusion pump or system * Be claustrophobic or have respiratory problems * Have metal tattoos close to the head * Have permanent make-up
Where this trial is running
Bron
- Equipe IMPACT du CRNL, Bâtiment INSERM — Bron, France (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Alessandro FARNE, Dr
- Email: alessandro.farne@inserm.fr
- Phone: 04 72 91 34 17
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.