Home-based vestibular balance therapy for children
Feasibility of a Home-Based Vestibular Balance Therapy Intervention for Children With Vestibular Hypofunction
NA · University of Alabama at Birmingham · NCT05741515
This study is testing a home-based balance therapy program for children aged 4-17 with hearing loss to see if it helps improve their balance and overall function.
Quick facts
| Phase | NA |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 15 (estimated) |
| Ages | 4 Years to 17 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Alabama at Birmingham (other) |
| Locations | 1 site (Birmingham, Alabama) |
| Trial ID | NCT05741515 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This clinical trial aims to evaluate the feasibility of a home-based vestibular balance therapy program for children aged 4-17 years with vestibular hypofunction associated with severe/profound sensorineural hearing loss. Participants will undergo a series of vestibular function and balance tests before engaging in an 8-week intervention consisting of structured exercises performed five times a week, with weekly check-ins from a physical therapist. The study will assess the intervention's feasibility, its preliminary impact on functional outcomes, and participant engagement to inform the design of a larger controlled trial.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are children aged 4-17 years with a confirmed diagnosis of severe to profound sensorineural hearing loss and vestibular hypofunction.
Not a fit: Patients with neurologic conditions other than sensorineural hearing loss or those currently receiving vestibular therapy may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this therapy could improve balance and functional outcomes in children with vestibular hypofunction, enhancing their overall quality of life.
How similar studies have performed: While there is limited research specifically targeting children with vestibular hypofunction, similar interventions for adults have shown promise, making this approach novel yet potentially impactful.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * confirmed diagnosis of severe to profound SNHL * age 4-17 years * caregiver/child verbal willingness to commit to the home vestibular balance therapy or sham intervention * vision screening/testing within 1 year or willingness to get a vision test. Exclusion Criteria: * neurologic condition other than SNHL * inability to read at a kindergarten level or identify pictures * currently receiving vestibular therapy * uncorrected vision problems unrelated to a vestibular deficit
Where this trial is running
Birmingham, Alabama
- UAB — Birmingham, Alabama, United States (RECRUITING)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Jennifer B Christy, PhD — University of Alabama at Birmingham
- Study coordinator: Michael A. Matthews
- Email: osp@uab.edu
- Phone: 205-934-5266
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.
Conditions: Vestibulocochlear Nerve Diseases, Vestibular Disorder, Bilateral Vestibular Loss, pediatric, vestibular rehabilitation, dynamic visual acuity, postural control, feasibility