An Engineering-Based Balance Assessment and Training Platform

Launched by VA OFFICE OF RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT · Jun 20, 2019

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying a new way to help people improve their balance through a program called the Balanced Reach Training Protocol (BRTP). The BRTP aims to evaluate and train standing balance by having participants reach for a moving target on a screen without stepping. This is important because good balance is essential for daily activities and can help prevent falls, especially for those who have had a stroke or are older adults. The trial uses advanced technology to assess balance in a detailed and objective way, making it suitable for individuals across different ages and health conditions.

To participate, you need to be between 18 and 40 years old and in good health, or 60 years or older with a history of stroke but still able to move. Participants should be able to perform a balance task without support for 90 seconds and have no serious health issues that could affect safety during the trial. If you join, you can expect to engage in challenging balance exercises and use virtual reality equipment for short periods. This trial is currently recruiting participants of all genders, and it's a great opportunity to contribute to research that could help many people with balance issues in the future.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • 18-40 years old and in good health; 60 years and older
• • For Ages 60 or older-stroke with persistent motor function deficit.
• • For ages 18-40-experienced no falls in the past year. Fall is defined as a fall that occurs under conditions that an able body individual would not fall.
• • Able to perform the balanced reach task without assistive devices for 90 seconds
• • Able to perform a sit-to-stand with minimal assistance and walk 10 meters without human assistance
• • Adequate language and neurocognitive function to give adequate informed consent \& to participate in testing and training
• • Vision adequate to see a 1 inch diameter black disk against a white background at 3 feet
• • Able to tolerate the use of Virtual Reality eyewear for \~10 minutes
• Exclusion Criteria:
• Clinical history of:
• • Any health condition that the study team deems would preclude safe completion of the BATP
• • For ages 18-40-History of a stroke, orthopedic deficits, or sensorimotor deficits
• • Body Mass Index (BMI) \>40
• • Excessive daily alcohol consumption (\>3 oz. liquor; \>12 oz. wine; or \>36 oz. beer) or illicit drug abuse
• • For ages 60 and older-Dementia based on Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MOCA) score of less than 23 for more than 9th grade education.
• • Neurological disease other than stroke, such as Parkinson's disease. Vestibular disorders sufficient to preclude safe completion of the BATP or MMBI
• • Poorly controlled hypertension (\>190/105) on at least two separate occasions
• • Poorly controlled type 1 or 2 diabetes (HbA1c \>10)
• • Recent hospitalization for severe disease or surgery (\<3 months)
• • Congestive heart failure or valvular dysfunction symptomatic with ordinary activities (NYHA II)
• • Self-reported Pregnancy
• • Symptomatic orthostatic hypotension