Vibrotactile balance belt to improve walking
Official title: Impact of Vibrotactile Stimulation Via BalanceBelt and IMU-based Gait Analysis in Individuals With Balance Disorders
Run by Johns Hopkins University · NCT07253532 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years to 80 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 90 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Johns Hopkins University Academic / other |
| Locations | 2 sites (Baltimore, Maryland and 1 other locations) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | March 20, 2026 |
| Main results expected | December 1, 2030 |
| Study ends | December 1, 2030 |
| Registry record updated | March 27, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07253532 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a 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.
✕Probably 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.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
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.
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 gone: Prior small studies of vibrotactile cueing and wearable feedback have shown modest improvements in balance and gait, but larger controlled trials are limited.
Who can join: the full rules
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 it's running
-
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
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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.