Effects of Vestibular Training on Postural Control of Healthy Adults Using Virtual Reality

Launched by CLARKSON UNIVERSITY · Jul 10, 2023

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying a new way to help improve balance and postural control in healthy adults using virtual reality. The researchers believe that a combination of head movements and weight shifting exercises—done while wearing a virtual reality headset—can better train the vestibular system (which helps with balance) and improve how well people can stand and move without falling. This method, called Concurrent Headshake and Weight Shift Training, aims to enhance balance by engaging the body's sensory systems in a way that traditional training methods may not.

To participate in this study, you need to be between the ages of 18 and 35 and able to stand independently without assistance. Participants will take part in balance assessments and perform training exercises for about 20 minutes, with short breaks included. It's important to note that individuals with certain medical conditions—such as recent concussions, balance issues, or significant neck pain—are not eligible to join. This research could lead to better rehabilitation techniques for people with balance problems in the future.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Able to stand independently (without an assistive device)
• • This study requires participants to perform postural assessments including reactive balance following mechanical perturbations.
• • Participants will also perform headshake activities and weight shift training in standing for 20 mins will mini breaks.
• • Participants must be within the age of 18-35.
• • A power analysis revealed that a sample of 24 participants will required for a two-group comparison to detect a significant difference at alpha=0.05 and 0.30 effect size at beta=0.8 (G\*Power, Version 3.0.10)(Faul et al, 2007).
• Exclusion Criteria:
• * Participants with an evidence of:
• • Concussion, vestibular, balance or oculomotor issues for the prior 6 months.
• • Neuropathic conditions, particularly affecting the lower extremities. Participants with this issue will have sensory impairments which can affect their sensory assessment.
• • Current musculoskeletal deficits including significant postural abnormalities (signs of spinal, pelvic and leg length discrepancies).
• • Pain or limitations in neck range of motion.
• • Recent (within 6 months) orthopedic surgery that impacts postural training.
• • Visual Impairment
• • Participants must be able to see and follow targets on the computer monitor. Therefore, subjects must have 20/50 (corrected) vision. Subjects who are blind cannot participate.