Testing Effectiveness of a Stochastic Noise Stimulator to Immediately Improve Balance and Gait

Trial statusRecruiting
Trial phaseNot applicable
Trial typeInterventional
Biological sexAll
Age21+
SponsorMassachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary

About this trial

The goal of this intervention study is to determine if a new electronic stimulation device, similar to a TENS can improve balance and make walking easier in older individuals with reduced balance function. The main question aims to answer the following:

Can using the device improve walking speed in older individuals?

Participants will be asked to perform a number of tasks while wearing the device:

Walk for 6 minutes

* Stand in place while having balance measured (eyes open and closed) * Stand on a foam block while having balance measured (eyes open and closed) * Sit in a chair that will tilt +/- 20 degrees while wearing goggles that take videos of the participants eyes.

Eligibility criteria

Qualifiers

None

Disqualifiers

impaired proprioception

significant eye problems

neuromuscular disease

seizure

Trial design

Treatments tested in this trial

  • Subperceptual Stimulus
  • Sham Comparator

Treatment groups

120 Participants
are divided into 2 treatment groups

Sponsors and collaborators

Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary

Lead sponsor

University of Western Sydney

Collaborator

National Institute on Aging (NIA)

Collaborator

Johns Hopkins University

Collaborator