Investigating brain activity and balance control during cognitive tasks in older adults using virtual reality
Characterizing Brain Activation and Postural Response During Concurrent Cognitive Tasks in the Presence of Optic Flow Stimulation: A Functional Near-Infrared Spectroscopy Study
This study looks at how brain activity affects balance in older adults while they do mental tasks in virtual reality.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Enrollment | 72 (estimated) |
| Ages | 25 Years to 85 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | East Carolina University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Greenville, North Carolina) |
| Trial ID | NCT05117463 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This observational study aims to explore how brain activity influences postural control in older adults while they perform cognitive tasks in a virtual reality environment. Participants will wear a VR headset that simulates a 360-degree visual field and will be assessed for their balance and cognitive performance. The study will utilize functional Near-Infrared Spectroscopy (fNIRS) to measure brain activity in specific regions as participants engage in concurrent visual and auditory tasks. The goal is to understand the effects of aging and attention on balance control.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are healthy older adults who are right-handed and do not have any vestibular, orthopedic, or neurological disorders.
Not a fit: Patients with vestibular, orthopedic, or neurological disorders, or those requiring assistive devices for ambulation, may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved balance assessment and intervention strategies for older adults, potentially reducing fall risk.
How similar studies have performed: While the use of virtual reality for balance assessment is emerging, this specific approach utilizing 360-degree optic flow stimulation in conjunction with cognitive tasks is relatively novel.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * must not have any vestibular, orthopedic or neurological disorders, knee or hip replacements, reports of dizziness, low visual acuity (corrective vision less than 20/40) or require the use of an assistive device for ambulation. * Right-handed Exclusion Criteria: * Healthy group: have a low fall risk profile based on current available clinical balance and gait assessment tools, such as the MiniBEST and STEADI fall risk self-assessment tool and normal cognitive status using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA \> 26/30) * Fall risk group: other medical issues rather than balance problems
Where this trial is running
Greenville, North Carolina
- East Carolina University — Greenville, North Carolina, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Brain Sylcott, PhD — East Carolina University
- Study coordinator: Brian Sylcott, PhD
- Email: sylcottb15@ecu.edu
- Phone: 252-737-4652
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.