Smartphone-based Utility of the Vestibulo-ocular Reflex

Launched by UNIVERSITY OF VIRGINIA · Mar 2, 2025

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying a new smartphone application designed to assess how well people can stabilize their gaze, particularly for those experiencing balance issues, known as vestibular dysfunction. The trial will involve adults aged 18 and older, both with and without diagnosed vestibular disorders, to see if this mobile technology can accurately measure gaze stability compared to traditional testing methods. Specifically, researchers want to know if the app can effectively identify patients with balance issues and how its results compare to a standard computer system used for similar tests.

To participate, individuals should have normal or corrected-to-normal vision and be able to sit up and follow instructions during the tests, which will take about 2-3 hours. Exclusion criteria include severe visual or cognitive impairments and recent surgeries that could affect balance. Participants will take part in established gaze stability tests using both the smartphone app and a standard testing system. This study aims to show if mobile technology can provide a cost-effective and accessible way to assess balance, especially useful for patients in areas with limited resources.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Adults 18 years or older
• • Able to provide informed consent
• • Normal or corrected-to-normal vision (e.g., with glasses or contact lenses)
• • Able to sit upright and follow instructions for the duration of the test (\~2-3 hours)
• • No known contraindications to head movement (e.g., musculoskeletal or neurological conditions that prevent safe head rotation)
• • For vestibular dysfunction group: Participants must have a diagnosed vestibular disorder (e.g., vestibular hypofunction, vestibular neuritis, Meniere's disease, labyrinthitis, vestibular migraine, or post-concussive dizziness)
• • For control group: Participants must be free from diagnosed vestibular disorders and report no history of balance issues, dizziness, or vertigo
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Severe visual impairment that cannot be corrected with glasses or contact lenses
• • Cognitive impairment or neurological conditions that could interfere with following instructions (e.g., moderate to severe dementia, uncontrolled seizures, severe traumatic brain injury)
• • Severe musculoskeletal or orthopedic conditions affecting the neck or cervical spine that prevent safe head movement (e.g., cervical fusion, severe arthritis, neck instability)
• • Acute illness or infection at the time of testing (e.g., flu, COVID-19, severe sinus infection that may impact vestibular function)
• • Recent vestibular or neurological surgery (\<6 months prior to study participation)
• • Severe hearing loss that prevents understanding spoken instructions
• • History of stroke or progressive neurological disorders affecting balance or gaze stability (e.g., Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, ALS)
• • Use of vestibular suppressants (e.g., meclizine, diazepam, scopolamine) within 24 hours of testing