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

Launched by MASSACHUSETTS EYE AND EAR INFIRMARY · Nov 12, 2024

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is testing a new electronic device designed to help older adults improve their balance and walking. The device is similar to a TENS machine, which is often used for pain relief. The main goal of the study is to see if using this device can help older individuals walk faster and maintain better balance. Participants will be asked to complete several tasks while wearing the device, such as walking for six minutes, standing still, and sitting in a tilting chair while their balance is measured.

To participate in this trial, you must be at least 60 years old or between 21 and 59 years old without any significant health issues. However, people with certain medical conditions, like severe eye problems, neurological diseases, or uncontrolled high blood pressure, won't be eligible. If you join the study, you'll be helping researchers learn more about how this device might help improve mobility in older adults. The trial is not yet recruiting participants, so keep an eye out for updates if you're interested!

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• • Inclusion Criteria Older (ages 60+) and younger (aged 21-59) participants with no significant health history will be recruited from the community.
• • Exclusion Criteria
• Any person with a self-reported history of:
• • impaired proprioception
• • significant eye problems
• • neuromuscular disease
• • seizure
• • stroke
• • unmedicated diabetes
• • cardiovascular disease (except controlled hypertension)
• • renal disease or electrolyte imbalance
• • orthopedic disorders such as severe neck or back pain
• • uncontrolled high blood pressure (200/110 or greater)
• • implanted electronic devices (pacemakers, defibrillators, implanted pumps or stimulator devices, cochlear, etc.)
• • psychotic medications or current psychotic symptoms
• • Any other psychiatric condition requiring hospitalization since 1991
• • recent history of alcohol or drug abuse within the past 6 months
• • inability to stand unassisted for 30 seconds or walk unassisted for 6 minutes