Stair-edge contrast designs for older adults with vision impairment
Official title: Frequency of Contrast Enhancement on Stairways
Run by The University of Alabama in Huntsville · NCT07337317 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project will test whether changing the contrast frequency on stair tread edges affects how older adults with and without vision impairment lift their feet when going up and down stairs.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 65 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 65 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | The University of Alabama in Huntsville Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Huntsville, Alabama) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | January 22, 2026 |
| Main results expected | January 2027 |
| Study ends | July 2027 |
| Registry record updated | May 1, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07337317 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are older adults who travel independently in the community (including stairways at least twice per week), have contrast sensitivity of log 1.6 or better, and can safely ascend and descend stairs with rest as needed.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients who cannot use stairs safely or who have severe rheumatologic or orthopedic disease, recent lower-limb injury or joint replacement within six months are unlikely to benefit or be eligible.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
Researchers will measure participants' vision and have them ascend and descend laboratory stairs with different contrast frequencies applied to the step tread edges. Foot clearance measurements will be recorded as markers of fall risk and compared between older adults with and without visual impairment across the different contrast conditions. Most participants will complete a single in-person visit for vision testing and stair trials, and an optional second visit will gather participant feedback in a focus group about how contrast affects mobility in daily life. The protocol isolates contrast spatial frequency on tread edges rather than other stair modifications to determine visual effects on stair negotiation.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, optimized contrast patterns on stair edges could improve foot clearance and reduce fall risk for older adults with vision impairment.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work shows that high-contrast step markings can improve stair visibility and safety, but manipulating contrast spatial frequency on tread edges is a newer approach with limited direct testing.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: 1. ≥ Contrast sensitivity log 1.6 or greater 2. travels independently in the community, including stairways \> two times/week 3. comfortable ascending and descending a stairway with rest time provided Exclusion Criteria: 4. severe rheumatologic and or orthopedic diseases (e.g., awaiting joint replacement, active inflammatory disease) 5. lower-limb injuries and/or recent joint replacements (e.g., hip fracture, hip, or knee replacement within six months of study enrollment)
Where it's running
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University of Alabama in Huntsville
Huntsville, Alabama, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Sara A Harper, PhD — University of Alabama in Huntsville
- Study coordinator: Sara A Harper, PhD
- Email: sah0075@uah.edu
- Phone: 2568242184
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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.