Exploring how vestibular function affects children's cognitive and motor development
BALANCED GROWTH: The Involvement of the Vestibular System in a Child's Cognitive and Motor Development
This study is trying to see how problems with balance and movement affect the thinking and physical skills of school-aged children, including those with developmental disorders.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Enrollment | 250 (estimated) |
| Ages | 6 Years to 13 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University Ghent Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Ghent) |
| Trial ID | NCT04685746 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This observational study aims to investigate the role of the vestibular system in the cognitive and motor development of school-aged children. It will develop and standardize a test protocol to detect vestibular, cognitive, and motor dysfunctions. The study will also explore the impact of vestibular dysfunction on the performance of children with neurodevelopmental disorders and typically developing children. By comparing these groups, the research seeks to clarify the relationship between vestibular function and various developmental domains.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates include school-aged children with diagnosed vestibular impairments or neurodevelopmental disorders such as Autism Spectrum Disorder or ADHD.
Not a fit: Patients with permanent hearing loss, vestibular loss, motor dysfunction, or an IQ below 70 may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved diagnostic protocols and interventions for children with vestibular dysfunction, enhancing their cognitive and motor development.
How similar studies have performed: While some studies have suggested a link between vestibular dysfunction and developmental issues, this specific approach is relatively novel and underexplored.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
For typically developing children Exclusion Criteria: * Having a (permanent) hearing loss * Having a (permanent) vestibular loss * Having a motor dysfunction * IQ \< 70 For vestibular-impaired children Inclusion Criteria: * Recently (\< 6 months) tested at the Ghent University Hospital * Diagnosed with a vestibular impairment (= alteration on at least one of the vestibular function tests: caloric, rotatory chair, vHIT, cVEMP and/or oVEMP test) For neurodevelopmental group Inclusion Criteria: • Diagnosed by a (neuro)psychiatric team with Autism Spectrum Disorder, Attention deficit/Hyperactivitiy Disorder and/or Developmental Coordination Disorder
Where this trial is running
Ghent
- Ghent University, department rehabilitation sciences — Ghent, Belgium (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Leen Maes, PhD — Ghent University and Ghent University Hospital
- Study coordinator: Ruth Van Hecke, Msc
- Email: ruth.vanhecke@ugent.be
- Phone: 00329 332 22 96
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.