Subthreshold Vestibular Stimulation as a Strategy for Rehabilitation (NCT06732440) | Clinical Trial Compass
RecruitingNot Applicable
Subthreshold Vestibular Stimulation as a Strategy for Rehabilitation
United States48 participantsStarted 2026-02-09
Plain-language summary
The nervous system responds to changes in external or internal conditions by altering the behavior of neurons through multiple forms of neural plasticity. A specific form of plasticity, "homeostatic plasticity", stabilizes neural activity by driving the excitability of neurons toward a "set-point" level of activity. Over the last six years, new data have come to light showing that the vestibular system also possess a robust capacity to modulate sensitivity to self-motion cues in response to prolonged periods of motion. Collectively, these studies have demonstrated a capacity to use motion perturbations (i.e., low, or high levels of vestibular stimulation) to dynamically adjust the sensitivity of the vestibular system on both the single neuron and behavioral levels. The ability to use subthreshold motion stimuli to drive plasticity in the vestibular system motivates this study. The investigators aim to determine the impact of subthreshold motion on (a) balance performance and (b) balance training in individuals with peripheral vestibular hypofunction.
Who can participate
Age range
19 Years – 89 Years
Sex
ALL
See this in plain English?
AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.
Inclusion criteria
. Must be able to stand for 5 minutes unassisted
. No leg or foot amputations
. No lower limb braces
. Not currently pregnant by self-report
. Weight \<= 300 pounds (due to limitations of testing equipment)
Exclusion criteria
. Severe head trauma or traumatic brain injury
. History of seizures
Questions worth asking your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.
1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?
Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.
Questions for the trial coordinator
The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.
1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.
What they're measuring
1
Perturbed Stance Postural Control
Timeframe: At each of the 4 visits, outcome measures will be captured at (1) beginning of the visit (i.e., baseline), (2) post-intervention (20 minutes after baseline), and (3) post-washout (20 minutes after the post-intervention assessment).
2
Vestibular Perceptual Thresholds - 0.5Hz Roll Tilt
Timeframe: At each of the 4 visits, outcome measures will be captured at (1) beginning of the visit (i.e., baseline), (2) post-intervention (20 minutes after baseline), and (3) post-washout (20 minutes after the post-intervention assessment).
. Alternative neurologic illness or condition known to impact vestibular or balance function (e.g., stroke, neurodegenerative disorders, demyelinating illness)
. Major psychiatric (e.g., panic disorder, psychosis, etc.) disorder
. Any of the following eye diseases or conditions: amblyopia (or "lazy eye") or history of amblyopia, diagnosis of age- related macular degeneration, retina dystrophy, glaucoma, cataracts,
. Recent (\<6 months) orthopedic injury that may affect test performance
. Recent surgery (\< 6 months) that may impact test performance.
. Other severe health problems (heart disease, pulmonary disease, cancer, etc.) that may affect test performance