Brain Stimulation for Vision Impairment
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
This trial explores whether non-invasive brain stimulation, specifically a technique called hf-tRNS, can help individuals with narrowed vision fields improve their mobility. Participants will receive both real and placebo treatments to assess any differences in their ability to navigate an obstacle course. The study aims to inform future, larger studies on enhancing mobility for those with vision loss. It seeks adults with vision problems in both eyes, such as those caused by retinitis pigmentosa or glaucoma, who may or may not use a white cane for travel. As an unphased trial, this study offers participants the opportunity to contribute to groundbreaking research that could lead to new mobility solutions for those with vision loss.
Do I need to stop taking my current medications to join the trial?
The trial does not specify if you need to stop taking your current medications. However, if you are on psychoactive medication for psychiatric or neurological conditions, you may not be eligible to participate.
What prior data suggests that this brain stimulation technique is safe for individuals with vision impairment?
Research has shown that high-frequency transcranial random noise stimulation (hf-tRNS) is generally safe and well-tolerated. Studies have found that this brain stimulation typically doesn't cause serious side effects. Most people experience only mild, temporary sensations like tingling or itching on the skin where the device is applied. A few might have a slight headache, but this is rare.
A review of similar non-invasive brain stimulation methods found that these treatments are safe and rarely lead to serious negative reactions. This makes hf-tRNS a promising option for those considering participation in a clinical trial aimed at improving vision-related skills.12345Why are researchers excited about this trial?
Researchers are excited about this trial because it explores an innovative approach to improving vision impairment using high-frequency transcranial random noise stimulation (hf-tRNS). Unlike traditional treatments that might rely on glasses, surgery, or medication, this method uses non-invasive brain stimulation to potentially enhance visual processing. By targeting the brain's neural networks directly, hf-tRNS could offer a new pathway to improve vision without the need for invasive procedures or long recovery times. This trial aims to uncover whether hf-tRNS can offer quick and effective results for those with vision challenges, making it a promising area of research.
What evidence suggests that this brain stimulation is effective for improving orientation and mobility skills in individuals with constricted visual fields?
Research shows that high-frequency transcranial random noise stimulation (hf-tRNS) can enhance visual perception. Studies have found that hf-tRNS improves the brain's ability to focus on important signals, thereby enhancing visual information processing. This method has proven more effective than other brain stimulation techniques, such as transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), in boosting visual learning. Additionally, hf-tRNS has improved the ability to distinguish different shades and patterns. In this trial, participants will experience both active hf-tRNS and placebo/sham stimulation in separate sessions. These findings suggest that hf-tRNS could potentially help individuals with limited vision improve their navigation skills.13678
Who Is on the Research Team?
Benjamin Thompson, PhD
Principal Investigator
University of Waterloo School of Optometry and Vision Science
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
This trial is for adults over 18 with visual impairments due to conditions like retinitis pigmentosa, rod-cone dystrophy, or advanced glaucoma. Participants should have a certain level of vision loss and be able to follow the study's schedule. They must understand the consent form and be previously trained in using a white cane for mobility.Inclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Treatment
Participants receive active or placebo brain stimulation and complete orientation and mobility (O&M) course
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for immediate effects of brain stimulation on O&M skills
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- hf-tRNS
Trial Overview
The study tests if brain stimulation can improve orientation and mobility skills in visually impaired individuals. It involves three visits: one for eligibility confirmation, followed by two sessions where participants receive either active or placebo brain stimulation in random order.
How Is the Trial Designed?
2
Treatment groups
Experimental Treatment
Participants in this arm will be exposed to placebo/sham stimulation for 20 minutes whilst seated quietly at treatment session 1 (study visit 2). They will then proceed to complete the orientation and mobility (O\&M) course 2-minutes and 30-minutes after stimulation. It is important to note that they will also complete the course before undergoing stimulation. In addition, individuals with constricted visual fields in both eyes who use a white cane for travelling will be encouraged to use their personal cane for the course, whereas those who do not use a cane will complete the course as they naturally would for any travel paths. Forty-eight hours later the same participants in this arm will be exposed to active stimulation (study visit 3) and except for the treatment they receive that day, the same protocol from the previous visit will be executed, and the same outcome measures evaluated. Interventions: Placebo/sham hf-tRNS at treatment (study visit 2); Active hf-tRNS (study visit 3).
Participants in this arm will be exposed to active stimulation for 20 minutes whilst seated quietly at treatment session 1 (study visit 2). They will then complete the orientation and mobility (O\&M) course 2-minutes and 30-minutes after stimulation. It is important to note that they will also complete the course before undergoing stimulation. In addition, individuals with constricted visual fields in both eyes who use a white cane for travelling will be encouraged to use their personal cane for the course, whereas those who do not use a cane will complete the course as they naturally would for any travel paths. Forty-eight hours later the same participants in this arm will be exposed to placebo/sham stimulation (study visit 3) and except for the treatment they receive that day, the same protocol from the previous visit will be executed, and the same outcome measures evaluated. Interventions: Active hf-tRNS at treatment (study visit 2); Placebo/sham hf-tRNS (study visit 3).
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
University of Waterloo
Lead Sponsor
University of Waterloo School of Optometry and Vision Science
Collaborator
The Hong Kong Polytechnic University
Collaborator
Citations
The effects of high-frequency transcranial random noise ...
Conclusion: hf-tRNS interacts with the output neurons tuned to directions near to the directional signal, incrementing the signal-to-noise ratio ...
2.
researchgate.net
researchgate.net/publication/281542464_Transcranial_Random_Noise_Stimulation_Enhances_Visual_Learning_In_Healthy_Adults(PDF) Transcranial Random Noise Stimulation Enhances ...
These results indicate that hf-tRNS may be a more effective intervention to boost visual perceptual learning than tDCS or no stimulation during ...
Improving Visual Field Deficits With Noninvasive Brain ...
The overarching goals for the study are as follows: Group 1a will test the basic effects of transcranial random noise stimulation (tRNS) coupled with visual ...
Daily high-frequency transcranial random noise stimulation (hf ...
The primary objective of this study is to examine the safety, feasibility, and effectiveness of hf-tRNS and 40 Hz tACS interventions targeting left IPL in ...
Modulation of Visual Contrast Sensitivity with tRNS across the ...
Transcranial random noise stimulation (tRNS) has been shown to significantly improve visual perception. Previous studies demonstrated that tRNS ...
Effectiveness and Safety of Non-Invasive Neuromodulation for ...
We carried out a systematic review and meta-analysis to determine the effectiveness and safety of non-invasive electrical stimulation (NES) for vision ...
Using High Frequency Transcranial Random Noise ...
High-frequency transcranial random noise stimulation (tRNS) has been shown to improve a range of cognitive and perceptual abilities.
Noninvasive transcranial brain stimulation for eye diseases ...
Differential effects of high-frequency transcranial random noise stimulation (hf-tRNS) on. 548 contrast sensitivity and visual acuity when combined with a ...
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