Using electrical stimulation to improve balance and walking
Therapeutic Effects of Electrical Vestibular Stimulation (EVS) on Balance and Gait
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
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 500 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 100 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Neursantys Inc Industry-sponsored |
| Locations | 4 sites (Cupertino, California and 3 other locations) |
| Trial ID | NCT06846047 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
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.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are healthy individuals over the age of 40 who can perform balance and gait assessments without assistance.
Not a fit: Patients with implanted electronic devices or diagnosed neurological or musculoskeletal disorders may not benefit from this study.
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 performed: While the approach of using electrical vestibular stimulation is relatively novel, similar studies have shown promise in improving balance and gait in various populations.
Eligibility criteria
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 this trial is running
Cupertino, California and 3 other locations
- 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
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.