Actively Recruiting
Mechanisms of Visual Restoration After Occipital Stroke (MOVROS)
Led by University of Rochester · Updated on 2025-12-04
100
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
N/A
Total Duration
On this page
Sponsors
U
University of Rochester
Lead Sponsor
N
National Institutes of Health (NIH)
Collaborating Sponsor
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
Researchers are studying the effects of damage to the early visual cortex caused by unilateral stroke or similar injury and how visual training interventions may influence the structure and function of the remaining visual system. The goal is to better understand the consequences of permanent visual cortex damage and how visual training might restore perception in affected individuals. This observational study collects detailed brain imaging data to investigate these questions. Participants include adults aged 21 to 80 who have experienced stroke or stroke-like damage to the primary visual cortex or its immediate afferent white matter. The study groups consist of individuals with cortical blindness due to such damage and control subjects with no history of neurological disorders. The main intervention involves functional MRI scans to assess brain structure and visual responses before and after a period of visual training, with multiple visits scheduled for data collection. During the study, participants will undergo brain imaging to identify damaged visual areas and evaluate visual responses at baseline and following visual training. Assessments include visual field testing and fixation ability checks, along with cognitive and memory evaluations to ensure participants can complete training at home independently. Data collection occurs across several visits, including optional ones, to monitor changes over time. Safety monitoring includes ensuring participants are safe for MRI scans. The total duration and frequency of visits vary based on individual study schedules.
CONDITIONS
Brief Title
Mechanisms of Visual Restoration After Occipital Stroke
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Subjects between 21 and 80 years of age
- Residents of the United States or Canada
- Unilateral stroke or stroke-like damage to primary visual cortex or immediate afferent white matter verified by MRI or CT
- Reliable homonymous visual field defects in both eyes measured by standard perimetry
- Ability to fixate on visual targets reliably for 1000ms with less than 1-degree jitter
- Willing, able, and competent to provide informed consent
- Have own home computer and reliable internet access
- Normal cognitive abilities and memory to understand and follow instructions in English
- Safe and willing to undergo MRI scans
You will not qualify if you...
- Past or present ocular disease interfering with visual acuity
- Best-corrected visual acuity worse than 20/40 in either eye
- Documented or suspected damage to the dorsal Lateral Geniculate Nucleus
- Diffuse whole-brain degenerative processes
- History of traumatic brain injury
- Other brain damage interfering with training or outcome measures
- Oculomotor defects impairing stable fixation during testing or training
- History of drug or alcohol abuse
- Current use of neuroactive medications impacting training
- Cognitive, memory, or seizure disorders
- One-sided attentional neglect
- Inability or incompetence to perform visual training exercises
- Contraindications to MRI scanning such as implanted devices, metal foreign bodies, morbid obesity, or claustrophobia
AI-Screening
AI-Powered Screening
Complete this quick 3-step screening to check your eligibility
Your Study Journey
Duration - 2 to 4 weeks
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial.
1 visit (in-person)
Duration - Baseline and optional follow-ups over several months
Participants undergo MRI scans to identify areas of visual cortex damage and characterize visual responses before visual training.
1 baseline visit and up to 6 optional follow-up visits
Duration - Ongoing throughout the study duration until August 2029
Participants are observed to track changes in visual response properties following a period of visual training.
Additional visits depending on participant progress and study schedule
Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
University of Rochester
Rochester, New York, United States, 14642
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
E
Evan Burr, BA
How is the study designed?
Study Type
OBSERVATIONAL
Masking
N/A
Allocation
N/A
Model
N/A
Primary Purpose
N/A
Number of Arms
2
Similar Trials
Frequently Asked Questions
Have more questions? Get in touch with our team for quick support
Not the Right Trial for You?
Explore thousands of other clinical trials that might be a better match.
Sign up to get personalized trial recommendations delivered to your inbox.
Already have an account? Log in here