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Wearable Echolocation Aids for Low Vision

This study is testing a new device called the Wearable Echolocation Device. This device uses special sound waves to help people with low vision understand their surroundings and avoid obstacles. The study aims to see if this technology can help visually impaired individuals navigate more safely. Participants will wear the device and a vision-impairing simulator while walking a path with obstacles. Researchers will measure how their walking (stride length, cadence, and speed) changes with and without the device. The study is looking for 50 healthy adults, aged 18 to 100, who can walk independently. The current status of the study is unclear.

Study design
This is an interventional study with 50 participants. It will compare walking with a vision simulator alone versus with the simulator and the Wearable Echolocation Device.
What's involved
You would participate in a single 30-minute session where you walk a path with obstacles while wearing a vision simulator, both with and without the study device.
Compensation
Not stated in the trial record.
Follow-up
Measurements are taken at the beginning (baseline) and immediately after the 30-minute training session.

AI-generated from the public study record. Only the study team can confirm whether you're eligible — confirm details with them before making decisions.

NCT07218991

Wearable Echolocation Aids Using Parametric Sound

Recruiting
NAAges 18+Interventional
The University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston
~50 participants
Updated 2025-10-28 on ClinicalTrials.gov
What's tested:Wearable Echolocation Device

At a glance

Recruiting sites
1 of 1 listed site is recruiting right now
RecruitingSuspended, closed, or not yet open
What they're measuring
Change in Stride Length for Visually Impaired Individuals with Implementation of Echolocation Technology
Measured over Baseline (pre-training) and immediately post-training (same 30 minute session)
+3 more outcomes measured

Conditions

Low Vision

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NCT07218991

Where you'd take part

This study runs at 1 site. They're the same protocol — you choose where, and that choice sets who your contact draft is addressed to.

  • University of Texas Medical Branch

    Galveston, Texasstudy coordinator listed

    Recruiting

Sites open and close at different times, so the status above is per site — it can differ from the study's overall status.

Study leadership

  • Praveena M Gupta, PhD OD FAAO · PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR · University of Texas

Who to contact

Praveena Gupta, PhD OD FAAO
[email protected]
(409) 747-5823
Email the study team

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Eligibility criteria

Inclusion

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

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.

What this trial measures

  • Change in Stride Length for Visually Impaired Individuals with Implementation of Echolocation TechnologyBaseline (pre-training) and immediately post-training (same 30 minute session)

    Stride length will be measured using the Zeno Walkway system, an electronic, pressure-sensitive mat connected to a PC that automates the measurement of spatial and temporal aspects of gait. The walkway's high-resolution sensors capture real-time data as participants walk across it. Each participant will walk on the instrumented mat for approximately 30 minutes, allowing for detailed analysis of stride length. Mean stride length (in meters) will be calculated from multiple trials to assess changes following implementation of echolocation technology.

  • Change in Cadence for Visually Impaired Individuals with Implementation of Echolocation TechnologyBaseline (pre-training) and immediately post-training (same 30 minute session)

    Cadence (steps per minute) will be assessed using the Zeno Walkway system, an electronic, pressure-sensitive mat that captures real-time gait data. Participants will walk across the instrumented walkway for approximately 30 minutes. The system will automatically record and calculate the average number of steps per minute to evaluate changes in cadence following implementation of echolocation technology.

  • Change in Walking Velocity for Visually Impaired Individuals with Implementation of Echolocation TechnologyBaseline (pre-training) and immediately post-training (same 30 minute session)

    Walking velocity will be measured using the Zeno Walkway system, an electronic, pressure-sensitive mat that captures spatial and temporal aspects of gait. Participants will walk across the walkway for approximately 30 minutes. The system will automatically calculate average walking velocity (in meters per second) based on distance and time. This outcome will be used to evaluate improvements in gait speed following implementation of echolocation technology.

  • Change in Body Mass Index (BMI) for Visually Impaired Individuals with Implementation of Echolocation TechnologyBaseline (pre-training) and immediately post-training (same 30 minute session)

    Body Mass Index (BMI) will be calculated using standard anthropometric measures of height and weight (weight in kilograms divided by height in meters squared). Measurements will be taken at each study visit to assess any change in BMI that may occur following implementation of echolocation technology.