Understanding how vision impairment affects walking over obstacles in older adults

Is this trial a fit for you?

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

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.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

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 it's running

• Indiana University
  Bloomington, Indiana, United States Recruiting

Study contacts

• Study coordinator: Kierstyn A Napier-Dovorany, OD
• Email: knapier@iu.edu
• Phone: 8128554426

Similar studies

Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.

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  Recruiting New England College of Optometry · Boston, Massachusetts · NCT07577219

• Using virtual reality to measure progress during low vision rehabilitation

  This project will test a 20-minute virtual reality test (VisionumVR on a Meta Quest 3) to measure functional vision in people with low vision who are starting or undergoing orthoptic rehabilitation.

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• Using Telerehabilitation and Sensors to Help People with Low Vision

  This study tests whether using online rehabilitation and special sensors can help people with low vision improve their quality of life better than traditional in-person care.

  Recruiting University of California, Los Angeles · Fullerton, California and 8 other locations · NCT06107881

How to take part

1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.