Vibrotactile balance belt to improve walking
Impact of Vibrotactile Stimulation Via BalanceBelt and IMU-based Gait Analysis in Individuals With Balance Disorders
This trial will test a vibrating balance belt to see if it improves walking and stability in adults with vestibular problems, ataxia, or other gait disorders.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 90 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 80 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Johns Hopkins University Academic / other |
| Locations | 2 sites (Baltimore, Maryland and 1 other locations) |
| Trial ID | NCT07253532 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This interventional study fits participants with a wearable BalanceBelt that provides vibrotactile feedback around the waist during standing and walking. Participants will perform standardized balance and gait tasks with and without the belt so researchers can compare performance. Measured outcomes will include gait parameters, postural sway, and device tolerability over sessions. All visits and device fittings are conducted in person at Johns Hopkins clinical sites.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Adults aged 18–80 with a balance disorder, vestibular dysfunction, or ataxia who have intact vibration sensation at the waist, a waist size of 60–120 cm, and can speak English are ideal candidates.
Not a fit: People who cannot stand or walk without support, have severe neurological, ophthalmological, or orthopedic problems that interfere with gait testing, recent vestibular rehab within 2 months, or absent waist vibration sensation are unlikely to benefit.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the belt could help people with vestibular dysfunction or ataxia walk more steadily and reduce fall risk.
How similar studies have performed: Prior small studies of vibrotactile cueing and wearable feedback have shown modest improvements in balance and gait, but larger controlled trials are limited.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Age 18-80 years old * Waist between 60 and 120 cm * Intact vibration sensitivity around the waist * Balance disorder and/or a diagnosis of ataxia or vestibular dysfunction (diagnosis based on imaging, clinical and family history, vestibular function tests, and/or genetic testing) * Speak English Exclusion Criteria: * Previous Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy (VRT) finished less than 2 months ago * Inability to stand or walk slowly without support in the light on a firm underground * Neurological, ophthalmological and/or orthopedic disorders that hampers vestibular, oculomotor or gait and posture examination
Where this trial is running
Baltimore, Maryland and 1 other locations
- Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions — Baltimore, Maryland, United States (Recruiting)
- Johns Hopkins Outpatient Center — Baltimore, Maryland, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Jennifer Millar, MD — Johns Hopkins University
- Study coordinator: Michael Craig Schubert, PhD
- Email: mschube1@jhmi.edu
- Phone: 4109559567
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.