Using electrical stimulation to improve balance and walking
Official title: Therapeutic Effects of Electrical Vestibular Stimulation (EVS) on Balance and Gait
Run by Neursantys Inc · NCT06846047 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing if a new type of electrical stimulation can help people of all ages improve their balance and walking to reduce the risk of falls, especially in older adults.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years to 100 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 500 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Neursantys Inc Industry-sponsored |
| Locations | 4 sites (Cupertino, California and 3 other locations) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | January 20, 2025 |
| Main results expected | February 28, 2027 |
| Study ends | February 28, 2027 |
| Registry record updated | February 25, 2025 |
| Trial ID | NCT06846047 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates for this study are healthy individuals over the age of 40 who can perform balance and gait assessments without assistance.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with implanted electronic devices or diagnosed neurological or musculoskeletal disorders 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 evaluate the safety, feasibility, and effectiveness of non-invasive electrical vestibular stimulation (EVS) in enhancing balance and gait performance in healthy individuals of all ages. Participants will undergo balance and gait assessments before, during, and after receiving EVS across multiple sessions. The study addresses age-related balance decline, a significant issue affecting millions of older adults, by exploring a novel intervention that could improve their mobility and reduce fall risks.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could significantly enhance balance and mobility in older adults, reducing their risk of falls and improving their quality of life.
How similar studies have gone: While the approach of using electrical vestibular stimulation is relatively novel, similar studies have shown promise in improving balance and gait in various populations.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: 1. Able to complete balance assessments such as standing with feet together/eyes open and feet together/eyes closed, both for at least 1 minute at a time, with no more than 1 minute rest required between tests. 2. Able to complete gait assessment tests such as walking up to 200m on a flat surface without assistance. Exclusion Criteria: 1. Participants must not be using a pacemaker, cochlear implant, or any other implanted electronic device. 2. Participants must be free from any diagnosed neurological or musculoskeletal injuries and/or disorders other than those explicitly being investigated (i.e., vertigo, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, concussion). 3. Participants must have the mental capacity to provide consent and perform tasks required by the experiment.
Where it's running
-
Caring Hands Caregivers
Cupertino, California, United States Recruiting -
Neursantys
Menlo Park, California, United States Recruiting -
University of Calgary
Calgary, Alberta, Canada Recruiting -
Sparx Wellness Institute
Dieppe, New Brunswick, Canada Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Ryan M Peters, PhD — University of Calgary
- Study coordinator: Ryan M Peters, PhD
- Email: ryan.peters1@ucalgary.ca
- Phone: 403-606-5506
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
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Vestibular implant to restore balance in adults
This study will test whether an experimental vestibular implant paired with a cochlear sound processor can improve balance in adults with long-standing bilateral vestibulopathy and normal to severe hearing loss.
-
Brain and balance in bilateral vestibular hypofunction: MRI links to symptoms
This study tests how brain structure and function relate to vestibular symptoms and quality of life in people with bilateral vestibular hypofunction.
-
Long-term outcomes after vestibular implantation
This study is testing how well a balance implant works for adults with chronic balance problems to see if it improves their stability and quality of life over the long term.
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Implanting a device to help older adults with balance issues
This study is testing a new device to see if it can help older adults with balance problems feel more stable and improve their quality of life.
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Implantation of a device to treat balance issues caused by vestibular dysfunction
This study is testing a new device to help adults with balance problems from vestibular dysfunction feel steadier and improve their vision after other treatments haven't worked.
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.