Socially Assistive Robot for Low Vision

Overseen By Andrea Obligacion

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Phase 1

Sponsor: University of California, Los Angeles

Disqualifiers: Cognitive impairment, Substance abuse, Hearing loss, others

No Placebo Group All trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Approved in 1 Jurisdiction This treatment is already approved in other countries

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: Unknown

20 Participants Needed

Trial Summary

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial uses a socially assistive robot to help people with vision loss use magnification devices for reading. The robot interacts with users to ensure they use the devices correctly and stay motivated. This approach aims to improve their ability to perform daily activities like reading.

Do I have to stop taking my current medications for the trial?

The trial protocol does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications.

What data supports the idea that Socially Assistive Robot for Low Vision is an effective treatment?

The available research does not directly provide data on the effectiveness of Socially Assistive Robots for Low Vision. However, it highlights the importance of low vision aids and rehabilitation in improving the quality of life for visually impaired individuals. For example, a study on a low vision device lending library showed significant improvements in reading performance and independence, as well as increased happiness and adaptability. These findings suggest that assistive technologies can have a positive impact on the lives of those with low vision, which may imply potential benefits of Socially Assistive Robots as well. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

What safety data exists for the Socially Assistive Robot for Low Vision?

The provided research does not directly address safety data for the Socially Assistive Robot for Low Vision. However, it highlights ethical considerations and potential challenges in deploying socially assistive robots, such as privacy, data protection, safety, and responsibility. These considerations are crucial for ensuring the safe use of such technologies, but specific safety data for the treatment in question is not available in the provided research. ^{6 7 8 9 10}

Is the treatment Socially Assistive Robot a promising treatment for low vision?

Yes, Socially Assistive Robots are promising because they can help improve social connections, enhance social behavior, and support interactions, which are important for health and well-being. ^{6 7 8 11 12}

Research Team

Maja J Mataric, PhD

Principal Investigator

USC Interaction Lab; Viterbi School of Engineering

Ava K Bittner, OD, PhD

Principal Investigator

UCLA Stein Eye Institute; Vision Rehabilitation Center

Eligibility Criteria

This trial is for adults over 18 with any level of vision loss from ocular disease, who have received a magnification device from the UCLA Vision Rehabilitation Center. It's not suitable for those with life-limiting medical conditions, conflicting schedules, cognitive impairments, substance abuse issues, significant hearing loss or incompatible magnifier devices.

Inclusion Criteria

You have received a magnification device from the UCLA Vision Rehabilitation Center.

Age 18 and older

You have any kind of vision loss because of an eye disease.

Exclusion Criteria

Schedules not permitting participation in planned study sessions or visits (including planning to move or take extended vacation during study period)

You have a history of using drugs or alcohol excessively.

The magnifier device can't be used with the beacon sensors because it doesn't have a way to hold it in your hand or a flat area to attach the sensor.

Timeline

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Immediate Robot Deployment

Participants receive the robot at home for two months, starting one month after study entry

2 months

Home-based intervention

Observation Period

Three-month observation period without the robot

3 months

Delayed/Waitlist Robot Deployment

Participants receive the robot at home for three months, starting three months after study entry

3 months

Home-based intervention

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment

1 month

Treatment Details

Interventions

• Socially Assistive Robot

Trial Overview The study tests how a socially assistive robot can help people with low vision use their magnification devices more effectively and consistently when reading. The robot aims to motivate users and reinforce skills needed to proficiently use the magnifier.

Participant Groups

Group I: Immediate Robot Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

One month after study entry, participants will receive the robot at home for two months, followed by a three month observation period without the robot.

Group II: Delayed/Waitlist Robot Active Control 1 Intervention

Three months after study entry, participants will receive the robot at home for three months.

Socially Assistive Robot is already approved in United States for the following indications:

Approved in United States as Socially Assistive Robot for:

• Low vision rehabilitation
• Vision loss assistance

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

University of California, Los Angeles

Lead Sponsor

Trials

1,594

Recruited

10,430,000+

University of Southern California

Collaborator

Trials

956

Recruited

1,609,000+

Findings from Research

The study analyzed the medical records of 4,711 patients at a low-vision clinic, finding that age-related macular degeneration was the most common diagnosis, affecting 40% of patients, and highlighting the need for tailored low-vision aids based on individual magnification requirements.

In a subgroup of 930 patients, the use of low-vision aids significantly improved reading speed from an average of 35 words per minute to 81 words per minute, demonstrating the effectiveness of these aids in enhancing the quality of life for visually impaired individuals.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

[Spectrum of ophthalmologic and social rehabilitation at the Tübinger Low-Vision Clinic : a retrospective analysis for 1999-2005]. Nguyen, NX., Weismann, M., Trauzettel-Klosinski, S.[2022]

A low vision aid system that uses gaze-contingent visual enhancement significantly improved face recognition accuracy in patients with age-related macular degeneration, increasing correct responses from 41% to 63%.

The study involved 12 participants and demonstrated that while the visual aid increased response time for most users, it provided a meaningful functional benefit, highlighting the importance of effective assistive technology for those with central vision loss.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

A Vision Enhancement System to Improve Face Recognition with Central Vision Loss. Calabrèse, A., Aguilar, C., Faure, G., et al.[2019]

This systematic review found limited evidence supporting occupational therapy interventions for improving social participation in older adults with low vision, based on only 3 studies with a high risk of bias.

Interventions that included group therapy, more intensive direct service, and the use of low vision devices showed some improvements in social participation, highlighting the need for further research in this area.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Occupational Therapy Interventions Supporting Leisure and Social Participation for Older Adults With Low Vision: A Systematic Review. Nastasi, JA.[2022]

The study evaluated a low vision device lending library program with 20 participants, showing significant improvements in reading performance and satisfaction after using portable video magnifiers (p<.001).

Participants reported enhanced independence in daily tasks and higher psychosocial well-being, indicating that proper access and use of low vision devices can greatly improve quality of life for individuals with visual impairments.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

An Evaluation of a Clinic-Based Low Vision Device Lending Library. Guidry, NC., Vogtle, LK., Barstow, EA., et al.[2023]

A systematic review of 44 studies involving visually impaired adults found no significant benefits of low vision rehabilitation interventions on health-related quality of life (HRQOL), indicating that these interventions may not improve overall well-being as expected.

However, there was low to moderate-certainty evidence suggesting small benefits on vision-related quality of life (VRQOL) from psychological therapies and methods to enhance vision, particularly when compared to active control groups, highlighting the potential for targeted rehabilitation strategies.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Low vision rehabilitation for better quality of life in visually impaired adults. van Nispen, RM., Virgili, G., Hoeben, M., et al.[2023]

Telepresence robots show promise in enhancing social connection for people with dementia, based on a review of four studies that explored their feasibility and acceptability in real-time communication with carers.

Despite positive outcomes, challenges such as user experience and technological issues were noted, indicating a need for further systematic studies and clinical trials to better understand their efficacy in dementia care.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Potential of telepresence robots to enhance social connectedness in older adults with dementia: an integrative review of feasibility. Moyle, W., Arnautovska, U., Ownsworth, T., et al.[2018]

A LEGO Mindstorms NXT® robot was developed to assist elderly individuals in maintaining healthy life habits through physical and mental activities, showing promise in enhancing their quality of life.

Testing with a group of elderly residents indicated high satisfaction, with scores above 4 out of 5 in all categories of a questionnaire, suggesting the robot's effectiveness in delivering coaching for physical activities.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Caregiver and social assistant robot for rehabilitation and coaching for the elderly. Pérez, PJ., Garcia-Zapirain, B., Mendez-Zorrilla, A.[2016]

A study involving 49 seniors in laboratory trials and 18 seniors in home trials helped identify key user requirements for a social assistive robot designed to prevent and detect falls, emphasizing the importance of user feedback in development.

The prototypes were perceived as friendly and capable, but seniors expressed a need for a narrower design to navigate their homes better, highlighting the importance of practical functionality in enhancing safety and security for elderly users.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Designing a social and assistive robot for seniors. Eftring, H., Frennert, S.[2018]

The use of socially assistive robots for senior care raises important ethical concerns, particularly regarding privacy, safety, and the potential for deception, which need to be addressed as these technologies are developed.

Establishing ethical guidelines for the deployment of social service robots is crucial to ensure that principles like nonmaleficence, beneficence, autonomy, and fairness are integrated into their use and research.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Ethical challenges in the use of social service robots for elderly people. Körtner, T.[2018]

A 5-week study involving 12 kindergarten students in New Delhi highlighted key ethical challenges in using social assistive robots in education, including language barriers, potential harms from malfunctions, issues of trust, and the sustainability of such technologies.

The research emphasizes the need for more literature and evaluation of ethical considerations when deploying social robotics in under-resourced educational settings, as most existing studies focus on wealthier contexts.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Ethical Considerations from Child-Robot Interactions in Under-Resourced Communities. Singh, DK., Kumar, M., Fosch-Villaronga, E., et al.[2023]

This study is the first randomized controlled trial investigating the use of PARO, a therapeutic pet robot, to improve mood and enhance social interaction in 40 older adults with mild to moderate dementia, conducted over six weekly sessions.

The outcomes will assess not only mood and social engagement but also cognitive function and caregiver burden, providing a comprehensive evaluation of PARO's effectiveness in dementia care.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Use of a Therapeutic, Socially Assistive Pet Robot (PARO) in Improving Mood and Stimulating Social Interaction and Communication for People With Dementia: Study Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial. Yu, R., Hui, E., Lee, J., et al.[2020]

Socially assistive robots (SARs) can play a crucial role in helping individuals with health conditions maintain positive social interactions, which is vital for their overall health and wellbeing.

The paper outlines a framework for SARs that includes five key functions to support social interactions: changing perceptions, enhancing social behavior, modifying others' behavior, providing interaction structure, and influencing emotional states.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Assistive Robots for the Social Management of Health: A Framework for Robot Design and Human-Robot Interaction Research. Chita-Tegmark, M., Scheutz, M.[2022]

References

1. Germany pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

[Spectrum of ophthalmologic and social rehabilitation at the Tübinger Low-Vision Clinic : a retrospective analysis for 1999-2005]. [2022]

2. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

A Vision Enhancement System to Improve Face Recognition with Central Vision Loss. [2019]

3. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Occupational Therapy Interventions Supporting Leisure and Social Participation for Older Adults With Low Vision: A Systematic Review. [2022]

4. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

An Evaluation of a Clinic-Based Low Vision Device Lending Library. [2023]

5. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Low vision rehabilitation for better quality of life in visually impaired adults. [2023]

6. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Potential of telepresence robots to enhance social connectedness in older adults with dementia: an integrative review of feasibility. [2018]

7. Netherlands pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Caregiver and social assistant robot for rehabilitation and coaching for the elderly. [2016]

8. Germany pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Designing a social and assistive robot for seniors. [2018]

9. Germany pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Ethical challenges in the use of social service robots for elderly people. [2018]

10. Netherlands pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Ethical Considerations from Child-Robot Interactions in Under-Resourced Communities. [2023]

11. Canada pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Use of a Therapeutic, Socially Assistive Pet Robot (PARO) in Improving Mood and Stimulating Social Interaction and Communication for People With Dementia: Study Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial. [2020]

12. Netherlands pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Assistive Robots for the Social Management of Health: A Framework for Robot Design and Human-Robot Interaction Research. [2022]