Testing Effectiveness of a Stochastic Noise Stimulator to Immediately Improve Balance and Gait
Improvements in Balance and Gait Using a Stochastic Noise Stimulator: Short Term Response
Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary
120 participants
Feb 25, 2026
INTERVENTIONAL
Conditions
Summary
The goal of this intervention study is to determine if a new electronic stimulation device, similar to a TENS can improve balance and make walking easier in older individuals with reduced balance function. The main question aims to answer the following: Can using the device improve walking speed in older individuals? Participants will be asked to perform a number of tasks while wearing the device: Walk for 6 minutes * Stand in place while having balance measured (eyes open and closed) * Stand on a foam block while having balance measured (eyes open and closed) * Sit in a chair that will tilt +/- 20 degrees while wearing goggles that take videos of the participants eyes.
Eligibility
Exclusion Criteria16
- Any person with a self-reported history of:
- impaired proprioception
- significant eye problems
- neuromuscular disease
- seizure
- stroke
- unmedicated diabetes
- cardiovascular disease (except controlled hypertension)
- renal disease or electrolyte imbalance
- orthopedic disorders such as severe neck or back pain
- uncontrolled high blood pressure (200/110 or greater)
- implanted electronic devices (pacemakers, defibrillators, implanted pumps or stimulator devices, cochlear, etc.)
- psychotic medications or current psychotic symptoms
- Any other psychiatric condition requiring hospitalization since 1991
- recent history of alcohol or drug abuse within the past 6 months
- inability to stand unassisted for 30 seconds or walk unassisted for 6 minutes
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Interventions
For each test participants will be stimulated using a subperceptual electric signal that is optimized to improve their gait.
During intervention trial, sham comparator will consist of same stimulation device but no actual electrical stimulation will be provided by device during intervention trial.
Locations(2)
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NCT06688578