Using visual cues to improve balance training
Intermittent Visual Perturbations to Enhance Balance Training
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 |
| Enrollment | 540 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 89 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Florida Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Gainesville, Florida) |
| Trial ID | NCT06804512 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
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.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are independent walkers aged 18-30 or 65-89 who can participate in all aspects of the study.
Not a fit: Patients with major cognitive disorders, recent lower limb injuries, or neurological disabilities may not benefit from this study.
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 performed: While the approach of using visual perturbations is innovative, similar studies have shown promise in enhancing balance training, suggesting potential for success.
Eligibility criteria
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 this trial is running
Gainesville, Florida
- 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
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.