Haptic gloves with virtual reality to support reading and spelling
Investigating the Role of Haptic Feedback in Virtual Reality Learning Environments for Literacy Acquisition
This project will test whether wearable haptic gloves used with virtual reality lessons help learners aged 6 and up improve phonics, spelling, and reading.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 60 (estimated) |
| Ages | 6 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Miami Academic / other |
| Locations | 2 sites (Coral Gables, Florida and 1 other locations) |
| Trial ID | NCT07209228 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This interventional study compares a haptic-integrated interactive VR experience using wearable haptic gloves to a traditional VR experience using hand controllers. Participants aged 6 years and older complete literacy-focused VR lessons while the system records finger-tracking, vibration feedback, and engagement metrics. Researchers will measure outcomes such as phonetic recognition, spelling, and reading skills before and after the interventions using standardized and task-based assessments. The goal is to see if adding multisensory haptic cues improves learning and engagement compared with standard VR controllers.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are students aged 6 and older with adequate vision and hearing and without severe cognitive, neurological, or motor conditions that would prevent safe participation in VR activities.
Not a fit: Those with significant uncorrected vision or hearing impairments, severe cognitive or neurological disorders, or motor limitations that prevent safe use of VR or haptic gloves are unlikely to benefit or be eligible.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, adding haptic cues to VR lessons could improve phonics, spelling, and reading outcomes and boost engagement for early learners.
How similar studies have performed: Some prior research supports multisensory learning and small haptics studies show benefit for skill acquisition, but haptic-glove–integrated VR specific to literacy is relatively novel and lacks large-scale confirmation.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Students from elementary to higher education; * Students aged 6 years old and up. Exclusion Criteria: * Students with significant uncorrected vision; * Students with significant hearing impairments; * Students with severe cognitive conditions; * Students with significant neurological conditions; * Students with significant motor conditions that would prevent safe participation in a VR-based learning activity.
Where this trial is running
Coral Gables, Florida and 1 other locations
- University of Miami — Coral Gables, Florida, United States (Not_yet_recruiting)
- University of Miami — Coral Gables, Florida, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Anna Queiroz, Ph.D. — University of Miami
- Study coordinator: Anna Queiroz, Ph.D.
- Email: aqueiroz@miami.edu
- Phone: 305-284-3752
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.