Training for navigation in individuals with blindness and visual impairment
Advanced Spatiomotor Rehabilitation for Navigation in Blindness & Visual Impairment
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
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 75 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 80 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Smith-Kettlewell Eye Research Institute Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (San Francisco, California) |
| Trial ID | NCT05377853 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
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.
Who should consider this trial
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.
Not a fit: Patients with neurological deficits or those unable to control their extremities may not benefit from this study.
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 performed: While this approach is innovative, similar studies focusing on cognitive rehabilitation and navigation training in visually impaired populations have shown promising results.
Eligibility criteria
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 this trial is running
San Francisco, California
- 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
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.