Using visual cues to improve balance training
Official title: Intermittent Visual Perturbations to Enhance Balance Training
Run by University of Florida · NCT06804512 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing if special goggles that change what you see can help young and older adults improve their balance while walking on a balance beam.
Quick facts
| Phase | Early Phase 1 |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Ages | 18 Years to 89 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 540 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | University of Florida Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Gainesville, Florida) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | August 20, 2024 |
| Main results expected | February 28, 2029 |
| Study ends | February 28, 2029 |
| Registry record updated | February 10, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT06804512 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are independent walkers aged 18-30 or 65-89 who can participate in all aspects of the study.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with major cognitive disorders, recent lower limb injuries, or neurological disabilities 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 research aims to evaluate whether intermittent visual perturbations can enhance balance training in individuals. Participants, aged 18-30 and 65-89, will engage in walking exercises on a balance beam while wearing specialized goggles that alter their visual input. The study will assess body movement, muscle activity, and performance on the balance beam across two sessions, with varying beam widths tailored to each participant's abilities. The goal is to determine the effectiveness of visual occlusion in improving balance.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly enhance balance training methods for individuals at risk of falls.
How similar studies have gone: While the approach of using visual perturbations is innovative, similar studies have shown promise in enhancing balance training, suggesting potential for success.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Ages 18-30 years, or 65-89 years. * Ability to walk independently for 10 minutes continuously. * Willingness to be randomized to any experimental group and to participate in all aspects of study assessment and intervention Exclusion Criteria: -Major cognitive disorder that interferes with independence, based on affirmative response (always/usually/sometimes) to the following question: "As a result of confusion or memory loss, how often do you need assistance with day-to-day activities such as cooking, cleaning, taking medications, driving, or paying bills? Would you say it is 1) Always; 2) Usually; 3) Sometimes; 4) Rarely; or 5) Never". * Current or recent (within 6 months) lower limb musculoskeletal injury that causes pain during walking or limits walking ability. * History of neurological injury or disability (including spinal cord injury, stroke, Parkinson's disease, or multiple sclerosis). * Difficulty communicating with study personnel. * Current enrollment in any other clinical trial. * Low vision that cannot be corrected by wearing contact lens. Low vision will be operationally defined as visual acuity less than 20/70 on standard eye chart, or difficulty perform complex walking tasks due to visual conditions affecting accurate navigation around and over obstacles (self-reported or observed by examiner). The goggles to be used in the study do not permit eyeglasses while using them. * Illiterate or non-English speaking, due to the likelihood of difficulties following protocol instructions.
Where it's running
-
The University of Florida
Gainesville, Florida, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Daniel P Ferris, Ph.D.
- Email: dferris@bme.ufl.edu
- Phone: 734-834-0379
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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.