Using virtual reality to improve balance in healthy adults
Effects of Vestibular Training on Postural Control of Healthy Adults Using Virtual Reality
This study tests if using virtual reality can help young adults improve their balance through special training exercises.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 30 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 35 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Clarkson University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Potsdam, New York) |
| Trial ID | NCT05941039 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study investigates the effects of vestibular training on postural control in healthy adults through the use of virtual reality. Participants aged 18-35 will engage in a novel training method that combines headshake activities and weight shift training while wearing a VR headset. The goal is to enhance balance by stimulating the vestibular system and improving sensory reweighting. The training will be conducted under supervision to ensure safety during the exercises.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are healthy adults aged 18-35 who can stand independently and perform balance assessments.
Not a fit: Patients with a history of concussion, vestibular issues, or significant musculoskeletal deficits may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could lead to improved balance and postural control in healthy individuals, potentially benefiting those with vestibular dysfunction.
How similar studies have performed: While the specific combination of techniques used in this study is novel, similar approaches in vestibular rehabilitation have shown promise in improving balance.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Able to stand independently (without an assistive device) * This study requires participants to perform postural assessments including reactive balance following mechanical perturbations. * Participants will also perform headshake activities and weight shift training in standing for 20 mins will mini breaks. * Participants must be within the age of 18-35. * A power analysis revealed that a sample of 24 participants will required for a two-group comparison to detect a significant difference at alpha=0.05 and 0.30 effect size at beta=0.8 (G\*Power, Version 3.0.10)(Faul et al, 2007). Exclusion Criteria: * Participants with an evidence of: * Concussion, vestibular, balance or oculomotor issues for the prior 6 months. * Neuropathic conditions, particularly affecting the lower extremities. Participants with this issue will have sensory impairments which can affect their sensory assessment. * Current musculoskeletal deficits including significant postural abnormalities (signs of spinal, pelvic and leg length discrepancies). * Pain or limitations in neck range of motion. * Recent (within 6 months) orthopedic surgery that impacts postural training. * Visual Impairment * Participants must be able to see and follow targets on the computer monitor. Therefore, subjects must have 20/50 (corrected) vision. Subjects who are blind cannot participate.
Where this trial is running
Potsdam, New York
- Clarkson University — Potsdam, New York, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Kwadwo Appiah-kubi, PhD
- Email: kappiahk@clarkson.edu
- Phone: 347-284-9986
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.