Training for navigation in individuals with blindness and visual impairment
Official title: Advanced Spatiomotor Rehabilitation for Navigation in Blindness & Visual Impairment
Run by Smith-Kettlewell Eye Research Institute · NCT05377853 · Data updated 2026-05-14
This study is no longer in our active list. It may have stopped recruiting or finished. The details below are as of 2026-05-14 and are kept for reference. Check ClinicalTrials.gov for its current status, or see similar studies below.
This study tests a new training program that helps blind and visually impaired people improve their navigation skills using touch and sound to see if it makes them more independent and mobile.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years to 80 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 75 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Smith-Kettlewell Eye Research Institute Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (San Francisco, California) |
| Trial ID | NCT05377853 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates for this study are individuals with severe visual impairment or blindness, specifically those with vision ranging from less than 20/500 to no light perception.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with neurological deficits or those unable to control their extremities 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 study aims to enhance spatial-cognition abilities in blind and visually impaired individuals through a unique Cognitive-Kinesthetic Rehabilitation Training. The training focuses on developing cognitive maps for navigation using tactile and auditory inputs, compensating for the loss of vision. The study also investigates the neuroplastic changes in the brain resulting from this training using multimodal brain imaging techniques. By addressing the cognitive roots of navigation, the research seeks to improve mobility and independence for participants.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly improve navigation skills and overall quality of life for individuals with blindness and visual impairment.
How similar studies have gone: While this approach is innovative, similar studies focusing on cognitive rehabilitation and navigation training in visually impaired populations have shown promising results.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: Behavioral Studies: * Vision from \< 20/500 to NLP (No Light Perception) Brain Imaging Studies: * Vision from \< 20/500 to NLP * Within average gender range for height +/-1 standard deviation * Within average gender range for weight +/-1 standard deviation * Comfortable with MRI procedures Exclusion Criteria: Behavioral Studies: * Neurological deficits * Inability to normally control lower or upper extremities * Inability to hear and understand instructions. Brain Imaging Studies: * All standard MRI exclusion criteria, such as having any metallic objects in the body, or being too large to fit or operate comfortably in the scanner bore.
Where it's running
-
Smith-Kettlewell Eye Research Institute
San Francisco, California, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Lora T Likova — Senior Scientist
- Study coordinator: Lora T Likova
- Email: lora@ski.org
- Phone: 415 345 2066
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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.