How vision affects a brief balance training that strengthens eye movement reflexes

Is this trial a fit for you?

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

Researchers will use a 15-minute incremental vestibulo-ocular reflex adaptation (IVA) protocol that presents a moving visual target programmed to the participant's head movement to induce increases in VOR gain. Adults (18–60) with abnormal uncorrected visual acuity or binocular vision problems will be enrolled and grouped by whether they also have peripheral vestibular hypofunction. Participants will complete symptom ratings before and after IVA, undergo vestibular reflex testing (including VOR gain measures and video head impulse testing), and perform balance and walking assessments such as the Gait Disorientation Test. The trial compares responses between vision-only and vision-plus-vestibular-impairment groups to determine safety and differential effects on gaze stability and mobility.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

For All Participants (All Groups)

* Age 18 to 60 years
* Able to provide informed consent

Group-Specific Inclusion Criteria:

* Group 1: Abnormal Uncorrected Static Visual Acuity (No Vestibular Hypofunction) Normal peripheral vestibular function
* Group 2: Abnormal Uncorrected Static Visual Acuity + peripheral Vestibular Hypofunction
* Group 3: Binocular Vision Abnormalities (No Vestibular Hypofunction) Normal peripheral vestibular function
* Group 4: Binocular Vision Abnormalities + peripheral Vestibular Hypofunction

Individuals who have abnormal static visual acuity, a binocular vision abnormality (ocular misalignment, convergence insufficiency), and vestibular loss will be assigned to Group 4.

The following definitions will be used when determining group placement:

* Abnormal Static Visual Acuity: Uncorrected visual acuity (head is still) ≥0.30 logMAR in both eyes.
* Unilateral Vestibular Hypofunction: 60 ms VOR gain \<0.80 unilaterally for the lateral semicircular canal.
* Bilateral Vestibular Hypofunction: 60 ms VOR gain \<0.80 bilaterally for the lateral semicircular canals.
* Normal Vestibular Function: 60 ms VOR gain of 0.80 to 1.20 bilaterally for the lateral semicircular canals.
* Convergence Insufficiency: ≥6 cm near point of convergence.
* Ocular Misalignment: ≥4 prism diopters of manifest deviation of the eyes (tropia) on cover/uncover testing.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Diagnosis of fluctuating vestibular disorders (e.g., benign paroxysmal positional vertigo)
* Neurologic conditions (e.g., multiple sclerosis), dementia,
* Alcohol or drug abuse,
* A major psychiatric disorder (e.g., schizophrenia),
* Pain that limits cervical spine range of motion by \>50% or that results in an -altered gait pattern.

Where it's running

• Dizziness and Balance Center
  Atlanta, Georgia, United States Recruiting
• Emory Ophthalmology Clinics
  Atlanta, Georgia, United States Not yet recruiting

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Colin Grove, PT, DPT, PhD — Emory University
• Study coordinator: Colin R Grove, PT,DPT,PhD
• Email: colin.riess.grove@emory.edu
• Phone: (404) 712-8685

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How to take part

1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.