RecruitingNot Applicable

Wearable Echolocation Aids Using Parametric Sound

United States50 participantsStarted 2025-02-21

Plain-language summary

The objective of this study is to study a novel device designed to aid patients with impaired vision to safely navigate their environment. Subjects for this study will be individuals with normal vision, either with or without correction. The subjects will wear a device to simulate impaired vision and will be asked to walk a path with randomly placed obstacles during two trials. One of the trials will consist of the subject wearing the simulator alone. The other trial will consist of the subject wearing the simulator and the study device. The study device is designed to be worn by the study subject and will emit tones to indicate obstacles in the environment as the subject walks on the path with random obstacles. The tones will indicate that there is an obstacle in the individual's path and will increase in intensity as the subject moves closer to the object.Invest

Who can participate

Age range

18 Years – 100 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: * Subject has provided informed consent in a manner approved by the Institutional Review Board (IRB) and is willing and able to comply with the trial procedures. * Adults at least 18 years of age and no older than 100 years of age at the time of consent. * Individuals in good health who can perform daily activities without assistance and can walk independently. * Normal vision (with or without corrective lenses) if there is no uncorrectable visual impairment. Exclusion Criteria: * History of gait problems. * Foot or leg impairments. * Hearing impairment. * Vertigo or other balance problems. * Pregnant individuals. * Any medical condition that, in the opinion of the investigator, would place the subject at increased risk for participation. * Medications that may cause dizziness or weakness. * Concurrent participation on another research study. * Use of an investigational agent in the 30 days prior to signing informed consent. * History of prior non-compliance. * Presence or history of psychiatric condition (including anxiety, psychosis, drug, or alcohol addiction) that would, in the opinion of the investigator, make it difficult for the subject to comply with the study procedures or follow the investigators instructions. * Non-English-speaking individuals. * Individuals from special or vulnerable populations (i.e., adults unable to consent, minors, incarcerated individuals). * Body weight greater than 700 pounds.

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

Change in Stride Length for Visually Impaired Individuals with Implementation of Echolocation Technology

Timeframe: Baseline (pre-training) and immediately post-training (same 30 minute session)

Change in Cadence for Visually Impaired Individuals with Implementation of Echolocation Technology

Timeframe: Baseline (pre-training) and immediately post-training (same 30 minute session)

Change in Walking Velocity for Visually Impaired Individuals with Implementation of Echolocation Technology

Timeframe: Baseline (pre-training) and immediately post-training (same 30 minute session)

Change in Body Mass Index (BMI) for Visually Impaired Individuals with Implementation of Echolocation Technology

Timeframe: Baseline (pre-training) and immediately post-training (same 30 minute session)

Trial details

NCT IDNCT07218991

SponsorThe University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeINTERVENTIONAL

Primary completion2027-06-14

Contact for this trial

Praveena Gupta, PhD OD FAAO

(409) 747-5823 prgupta@utmb.edu

View on ClinicalTrials.gov More Low Vision trials