Improving psychological and vestibular health with MINDGAPS
Official title: Improving Psychological and Vestibular Health Using a Novel Intervention: The Making Informed Decisions in Gaze and Postural Stability (MINDGAPS) System
Run by University of Montana · NCT05986279 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new system called MINDGAPS to see if it can help track recovery and improve both balance and mental health in people who have dizziness and anxiety after a mild brain injury.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 500 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | University of Montana Academic / other |
| Locations | 2 sites (San Diego, California and 1 other locations) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | August 30, 2023 |
| Main results expected | September 29, 2027 |
| Study ends | September 29, 2027 |
| Registry record updated | December 6, 2024 |
| Trial ID | NCT05986279 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates for this study are veterans or active duty military service members who can stand independently and are legally able to self-consent.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with recent acute head injuries, severe head injuries, or existing neurological disorders 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 project aims to develop norms for assessing inner ear function and psychological health while evaluating the feasibility of the MINDGAPS system for tracking rehabilitation progress in patients with vestibular issues following mild traumatic brain injury. The study explores the connection between vestibular disturbances, such as dizziness and balance issues, and psychological health problems like anxiety and depression. By utilizing objective measures of dynamic visual acuity and postural sway, the MINDGAPS system personalizes treatment programs and monitors patient progress effectively. The research aligns with the Traumatic Brain Injury and Psychological Health Research Program to enhance understanding and treatment of these interconnected conditions.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved rehabilitation strategies for patients suffering from vestibular disturbances and associated psychological issues.
How similar studies have gone: Other studies have shown promise in addressing vestibular health and psychological well-being, but the specific approach of using the MINDGAPS system is relatively novel.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Veteran or Active Duty Military Service Member * Ability to stand independently * Legally autonomous and able to self-consent Exclusion Criteria: * Acute head injury (within the previous 2 months) * History of moderate or severe head injury (i.e., loss of consciousness greater than 30 minutes or post-traumatic amnesia greater than 1 day) * Current diagnosis of spine disorders in the neck * Diagnosis of problems with the arteries in your neck * Blindness * If you have been diagnosed with abnormal eye movements (also called "ocular motor palsy") * If you have previously had a stroke or been diagnosed with a neurodegenerative disorder ( e.g., Parkinson's Disease, Multiple Sclerosis) * If you have been previously diagnosed primary vestibular dysfunction ( e.g., congenital peripheral vestibular syndrome) * If you have previously been diagnosed with a brain tumor * If you are currently receiving physical therapy care for balance or dizziness problems
Where it's running
-
Naval Medical Center San Diego
San Diego, California, United States Recruiting -
University of Montana
Missoula, Montana, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Brian Loyd, PhD
- Email: Brian.loyd@umontana.edu
- Phone: 406-243-4015
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
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How vision affects a brief balance training that strengthens eye movement reflexes
This study will see if a 15-minute balance exercise called incremental vestibulo-ocular reflex adaptation (IVA) is safe and helps adults with vision impairment, with or without inner-ear balance problems.
-
Vibrotactile balance belt to improve walking
This trial will test a vibrating balance belt to see if it improves walking and stability in adults with vestibular problems, ataxia, or other gait disorders.
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Mental imagery plus Cawthorne-Cooksey vestibular exercises for young adults with vestibular hypofunction
This study tests whether adding mental imagery to Cawthorne-Cooksey vestibular exercises helps young adults (20–40) with unilateral vestibular hypofunction reduce dizziness and improve balance.
-
Cawthorne-Cooksey balance exercises for autistic children with vestibular weakness
This project will try Cawthorne-Cooksey balance exercises to see if they improve balance in children aged 7–15 with autism and peripheral vestibular hypofunction.
-
Subthreshold vestibular stimulation to improve balance and motion perception
This test will see if very-low-level (subthreshold) vestibular stimulation, alone or combined with balance training, helps adults with unilateral or bilateral vestibular hypofunction and healthy adults improve balance and motion perception.
-
Virtual reality stimulation for patients with unilateral vestibular hypofunction
This study is testing if virtual reality stimulation can help people with unilateral vestibular hypofunction feel better and improve their balance compared to traditional treatments.
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.