Exploring how blind individuals use canes to enhance sensory perception
Official title: Touching the World With a (Blind) Cane: Cognitive and Neural Processes
Run by Hospices Civils de Lyon · NCT05199896 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing how blind people use canes to help them sense their surroundings better and navigate obstacles.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years to 60 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 300 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Hospices Civils de Lyon Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Bron) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | April 20, 2022 |
| Main results expected | October 2028 |
| Study ends | October 2028 |
| Registry record updated | March 24, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT05199896 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates include blind individuals aged 18 to 60 who have experienced vision loss at birth or in early childhood.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with a history of neurological, psychiatric, or linguistic problems, or those on psychotropic medications, may not benefit from this study.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
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.
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 gone: 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.
Who can join: the full rules
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 it's running
-
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
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
-
Cognitive behavioral therapy plus mindfulness program to help people adjust to vision loss
This project will try an 8-week group program combining cognitive behavioral therapy and mindfulness for adults adjusting to vision loss.
-
Easy-to-Read Visual Health Materials for Children and Teens with Intellectual Disabilities
This program will try easy-to-read and audio-based eye health materials plus a digital screening tool to improve visual health for children and adolescents with intellectual disabilities.
-
Blood and OCT biomarkers in people with diabetic macular edema receiving anti-VEGF or dexamethasone implant
This project will test whether blood markers and OCT imaging signs can predict how people with diabetic macular edema respond to anti-VEGF injections or a dexamethasone eye implant.
-
Michigan telemedicine screening for glaucoma and other sight‑threatening eye problems
This program tests whether a technology-enhanced telemedicine screening finds glaucoma, diabetic eye disease, and visually significant cataracts more often than a standard optometric exam for patients at a community health center.
-
Assessing visual frailty in older adults with age-related macular degeneration
This study is trying to see if a new tool can help understand how vision problems affect older adults with advanced age-related macular degeneration and their overall health.
-
Understanding how Giant Cell Arteritis affects vision
This study is trying to understand how Giant Cell Arteritis affects vision in adults by comparing eye health in those with GCA-related vision problems to those with other causes of vision loss.
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.