Enabling People with Diabetic Neuropathy to Drive Safely: a Proof of Concept Randomised Controlled Trial

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are evaluating a visual feedback intervention to improve how people with diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) use the accelerator pedal while driving. This proof-of-concept randomized controlled trial aims to see if giving visual warnings during simulated driving reduces the time drivers spend pressing the accelerator more than halfway down. The study also compares drivers with DPN who receive the intervention or no feedback, and includes a group with diabetes but no neuropathy for comparison. Participants will attend up to six visits one month apart at a driving simulator. Those with DPN who press the accelerator beyond 9 degrees in the initial assessment will be randomly assigned to receive visual feedback training or no feedback. Drivers in the intervention group will experience a warning symbol when pressing the accelerator too far, meant to help them moderate pedal use. Control group drivers have three visits to assess driving without feedback. Drivers without neuropathy have one assessment visit only. During visits, participants undergo driving simulator tests including practice drives, baseline assessments, and drives with or without visual feedback. Additional tests at the first visit include peripheral neuropathy assessments, proprioception measurement, blood glucose testing, and collection of demographic and driving history information. Researchers measure outcomes such as the percentage of time the accelerator is pressed beyond the threshold and vehicle control. Participant feedback is collected after the final visit to improve the program. The total study duration extends up to six months for intervention participants.

Driving with Neuropathy