Wearable echolocation device using parametric sound
Wearable Echolocation Aids Using Parametric Sound
This pilot will test whether a wearable echolocation device that emits directional ultrasound tones can help people with low vision navigate more safely.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 50 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 100 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | The University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Galveston, Texas) |
| Trial ID | NCT07218991 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This pilot enrolls healthy adults who will wear low-vision simulation goggles and walk a path with randomly placed obstacles while either wearing the simulator alone or wearing the simulator plus a wearable echolocation device that emits parametric sound. The device is designed to create directional audio cues that increase in intensity as the wearer approaches obstacles. Primary measures include gait initiation and termination on a Zeno Walkway, electromyography (EMG) of muscles involved in gait, measures of navigation performance, and participant preference and survey responses about device modularity. The study’s main goal is to test feasibility and gather objective and subjective data to guide further development of low-cost wearable navigation aids.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Adults with low vision who can walk independently, have usable hearing, and are interested in trying a wearable navigation aid are the ideal candidates.
Not a fit: People with significant hearing loss, major balance or gait disorders, or who cannot walk independently are unlikely to benefit from this device.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the device could help people with low vision detect obstacles earlier and improve safe, independent mobility.
How similar studies have performed: Prior research supports human echolocation and auditory navigation for obstacle detection, but wearable devices using parametric ultrasound are a newer approach with limited clinical data.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Subject has provided informed consent in a manner approved by the Institutional Review Board (IRB) and is willing and able to comply with the trial procedures. * Adults at least 18 years of age and no older than 100 years of age at the time of consent. * Individuals in good health who can perform daily activities without assistance and can walk independently. * Normal vision (with or without corrective lenses) if there is no uncorrectable visual impairment. Exclusion Criteria: * History of gait problems. * Foot or leg impairments. * Hearing impairment. * Vertigo or other balance problems. * Pregnant individuals. * Any medical condition that, in the opinion of the investigator, would place the subject at increased risk for participation. * Medications that may cause dizziness or weakness. * Concurrent participation on another research study. * Use of an investigational agent in the 30 days prior to signing informed consent. * History of prior non-compliance. * Presence or history of psychiatric condition (including anxiety, psychosis, drug, or alcohol addiction) that would, in the opinion of the investigator, make it difficult for the subject to comply with the study procedures or follow the investigators instructions. * Non-English-speaking individuals. * Individuals from special or vulnerable populations (i.e., adults unable to consent, minors, incarcerated individuals). * Body weight greater than 700 pounds.
Where this trial is running
Galveston, Texas
- University of Texas Medical Branch — Galveston, Texas, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Praveena M Gupta, PhD OD FAAO — University of Texas
- Study coordinator: Praveena Gupta, PhD OD FAAO
- Email: prgupta@utmb.edu
- Phone: (409) 747-5823
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.