Touching the World With a Cane: Cognitive and Neural Processes

Launched by HOSPICES CIVILS DE LYON · Jan 19, 2022

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial, titled "Touching the World With a Cane: Cognitive and Neural Processes," is exploring how blind individuals use their white cane not just as a tool for mobility, but also as a way to gather sensory information about their surroundings. The study aims to understand how using a cane helps them navigate and perceive the world better, especially since many people who are blind rely on this tool every day. The researchers want to learn more about the brain processes involved when using a cane and how it enhances the ability to interact with the environment.

To participate in this study, you need to be between 18 and 60 years old, provide informed consent, and be part of the national health security system. If you have significant vision loss that occurred at birth or within the first few years of life, you may be eligible. However, if you have a history of neurological or psychiatric issues, are pregnant or breastfeeding, or have certain medical devices in your body, you won't be able to participate. If chosen, participants can expect to be involved in assessments that help researchers understand how the cane enhances sensory perception. This research is important as it could improve tools and techniques that support visually impaired individuals in their daily lives.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Man or woman, aged 18 to 60 years old
• • Give an informed consent by signature
• • Be part of the national health security system (registered to the Securité Sociale)
• • do not confuse his right and his left
• Specific of the non-sighted participants:
• • Loss of vision happened at birth or 3-to 5 years later in life
• • Must have a visual acuity inferior or equal to 4/10
• • Be with a close relation for read information letter and sign the consent form if needed
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • A person presenting an history of neurological, psychiatric or linguistic problems cannot be admitted
• • Assumption of psychotropic drugs
• • Pregnancy or breast-feeding woman
• • A person under legal tutoring
• • A person under care in other medical structure for reasons different from those of this research
• • A person under administrative or judiciary contention
• * A person who is not eligible to a MRI-exam according to the following criteria cannot be admitted to the experiments including MR acquisitions :
• • Have a neurological, cardiac (battery) or defibrillator pacemaker
• • Have a cardiac prosthesis (valve, stent...) or vascular prosthesis
• • Have intracranial clips or clamps
• • Carry a bypass of the cerebrospinal fluid
• • Having metallic splinters in the eyes
• • Wear metal prostheses (teeth, knees)
• • Wear an infusion pump or system
• • Be claustrophobic or have respiratory problems
• • Have metal tattoos close to the head
• • Have permanent make-up