Understanding how vision impairment affects walking over obstacles in older adults
Impact of Stepping Over Obstacles of Different Contrast and Height on Gait and Eye Movements in Older Adults With and Without Vision Impairment
NA · Indiana University · NCT05888441
This study tests how older adults with vision impairment walk around obstacles compared to those with normal vision to find ways to help prevent falls.
Quick facts
| Phase | NA |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 200 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Indiana University (other) |
| Locations | 1 site (Bloomington, Indiana) |
| Trial ID | NCT05888441 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study investigates how adults with vision impairment adjust their walking behavior when navigating obstacles of varying heights and contrasts. By analyzing gait changes and gaze behavior, the research aims to identify strategies to prevent falls in individuals with low vision. Participants will include both those with normal vision and those with impaired vision, allowing for a comparative analysis of their responses to obstacles. The findings could lead to improved safety measures for older adults at risk of falls.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 and over who can walk independently, including those with normal or impaired vision.
Not a fit: Patients with severe cognitive limitations, vestibular disorders, or significant walking abnormalities may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to enhanced fall prevention strategies for older adults with vision impairment.
How similar studies have performed: While studies on gait and vision have been conducted, this specific focus on obstacle negotiation in older adults with vision impairment is relatively novel.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Age 18 or over * Able to walk independently * Either have normal vision, or impaired vision. * Impaired vision is defined as binocular visual acuity of 20/25 or worse with or without a central scotoma; and/or binocular visual field that is restricted to an average of 100 degrees in diameter or less * Control subjects will have visual acuity of 20/40 or better. Exclusion Criteria: * Not cleared by a medical provider for moderate physical activity * Self-report or have a history of: vestibular disorder or deafness * Medical history of any condition that affects the ability to walk for up to 2 hours with breaks, such as feeling dizzy or faint, chest pain, palpitations, pain or numbness in the legs, shortness of breath, * Cognitive limitations either by self-report or a score on the Mini Mental State Exam below 24 (out of 30) * Walking or gait abnormalities, such as those caused from an injury, surgery, severe arthritis, or neurological condition such as Parkinson's disease * Unable to walk without any walking aids such as a walker, cane, guide dog, or oxygen tank. * Does not speak English
Where this trial is running
Bloomington, Indiana
- Indiana University — Bloomington, Indiana, United States (RECRUITING)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Kierstyn A Napier-Dovorany, OD
- Email: knapier@iu.edu
- Phone: 8128554426
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.
Conditions: Low Vision