Vestibular Balance and Thinking in Older Adults: A Smart Rehab Platform
Official title: Vestibular Balance-Cognition Dual-Task Digital System: Development of a Smart Rehabilitation Platform for the Elderly and Prediction of Balance Function Risks
Run by National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University · NCT07735078 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study tests whether a balance task combined with thinking tasks can reveal how vestibular problems relate to thinking abilities in older adults, by comparing healthy seniors to those with dizziness or falls in the last two years.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Ages | 55 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 55 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Taipei, Taipei) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | February 10, 2025 |
| Main results expected | July 31, 2026 |
| Study ends | March 11, 2027 |
| Registry record updated | July 29, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07735078 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal participants are community-dwelling adults aged 55 or older who can walk 30 meters independently (or with a aid) and can participate in 45-minute sessions.
✕Probably not a fit
Participants with severe neurological diseases or communication barriers may have limited benefit from the results.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
In this observational study, researchers will use wearable sensors and a portable force platform to measure how balance and gait change when older adults perform simultaneous balance and cognitive tasks. Participants will complete questionnaires and cognitive tests while seated, then do standing balance tasks and treadmill walking with and without dual-task conditions. The study includes two groups: healthy older adults and those with recent dizziness or falls. Testing lasts about 90 minutes per session, with assessments conducted in Mandarin or Taiwanese at National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University. No intervention is being tested beyond observational measurements.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the findings could improve understanding of balance–cognition links in aging and inform personalized prevention strategies for falls.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown links between balance and cognition in older adults, supporting the rationale for this approach.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: 1. Community-dwelling adults aged 55 years or older. 2. Able to walk at least 30 meters independently or with the use of a walking aid. 3. Able to understand the study procedures and communicate in Mandarin or Taiwanese. 4. Adequate corrected vision to go out independently. 5. Able to participate in 45-minute sessions of moderate-intensity exercise once per week. Exclusion Criteria: 1. Severe central or peripheral neurological diseases. 2. Blindness or deafness. 3. Inability to communicate verbally or to understand simple instructions. 4. Current fractures or major joint injuries.
Where it's running
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National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Department of Physical Therapy and Assistive Technology
Taipei, Taipei, Taiwan Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Po-Yin Chen, PhD — National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Department of Physical Therapy and Assistive Technology
- Study coordinator: Po-Yin Chen, PhD
- Email: poyin1128@nycu.edu.tw
- Phone: +886-2-2826-7000
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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.