Unidirectional Vertical Vestibuloocular Reflex Adaptation in Humans Using 1D and 2D Scenes.
Christopher J Todd, Michael C Schubert, Carlo N Rinaudo...
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36075099/Actively Recruiting
Led by Johns Hopkins University · Updated on 2025-11-10
48
Participants Needed
2
Research Sites
N/A
Total Duration
Researchers are evaluating a self-administered rehabilitation tool designed to help reduce motion sickness and improve balance recovery after centrifugation or surgery affecting the vestibular nerve. This study involves people with vestibular disorders, including those who have had unilateral vestibular schwannoma surgery, as well as healthy individuals with characteristics similar to astronauts. The goal is to assess how guided head movements affect symptoms and recovery. Participants use a device called SWAN that guides sinusoidal head rotations along three axes yaw, pitch, and roll for a total of 15 minutes per session. The device encourages users to adjust the movement amplitude based on their level of motion sickness, ranging from none to vomiting. Some participants receive traditional vestibular physical therapy exercises, while others use the automated SWAN method. Healthy controls may receive the SWAN method after motion sickness or no treatment, depending on group assignment. During the study, participants will be monitored daily for up to four weeks. Assessments include motion sickness intensity, eye and head movement measures via video-oculography, heart rate, balance tests with and without head motion, walking speed and endurance, and activity levels. These evaluations help researchers understand changes in vestibular reflexes and overall function. Safety and adherence are tracked throughout the study period.
CONDITIONS
StableEyes With Active Neurofeedback
M
Michael Schubert, PhD
M
Matthew Stewart, MD PhD
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Johns Hopkins University
Lead Sponsor
National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)
Collaborating Sponsor
This table compares participation in this trial with other options available for this condition. The information is drawn from published research and the trial’s study details and is provided for educational purposes only.
| Factors | SWAN Device for Vestibular Physical Therapy | Traditional Vestibular Physical Therapy | SWAN Device for Motion Sickness | Traditional Behavioral Therapy (No Device) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| What is it? | A device-assisted vestibular rehabilitation approach using the SWAN system, which tracks head movement in three planes and provides neurofeedback during physical therapy exercises. | A set of physical therapy exercises that train head movement while viewing stationary or moving targets, representing established vestibular physical therapy. | Intervention using the SWAN device's neurofeedback technology to potentially prevent or reduce motion sickness symptoms. | Standard behavioral or physical therapy education and exercises for individuals with motion sickness, without use of the SWAN device. |
| Role in the trial | Investigational intervention arm evaluating the benefit of device-assisted neurofeedback for vestibular rehabilitation. | Active comparator arm using established physical therapy techniques. | Investigational SWAN-based intervention for motion sickness prevention. | Comparator arm for motion sickness, receiving the non-device intervention. |
| Primary use in this trial | Assessed for its ability to improve vestibular adaptation and reduce symptoms in vestibular disorders. | Used as a standard comparator to evaluate the efficacy of established vestibular physical therapy for the target population. | Examined for prevention and reduction of space or motion sickness symptoms using device-assisted neurofeedback. | Serves as a standard-of-care behavioral therapy comparison for participants experiencing motion sickness. |
| How is it given or performed? | Participants perform head movement exercises in multiple planes while the SWAN device monitors head motion and provides real-time neurofeedback during each session. | Participants follow a structured series of vestibular physical therapy exercises, moving their heads with visual targets under therapist direction, without device monitoring. | Participants use the SWAN device while guided through motion exposure or movement routines designed to trigger and monitor symptoms and adapt through feedback. | Participants receive non-device-based education and behavioral advice, performing standard exercises relevant to motion sickness management. |
| Evidence status / maturity | Currently under investigation; results for patient outcomes are not yet established in published literature outside this trial. | Efficacy supported by published studies as a standard approach for vestibular rehabilitation; patient outcomes and adaptation are demonstrated in literature, including improved vestibulo-ocular reflex adaptation. | Effectiveness for motion sickness is under investigation, with published evidence limited to experimental development and technology validation rather than patient outcomes. | Effectiveness of behavioral and rehabilitative therapy for motion sickness is recognized in published literature, though individual response varies. |
| Important limitations | Clinical effectiveness and real-world usability of SWAN device-guided therapy remain to be demonstrated; device dependency and patient comfort during use may affect broader adoption. | Outcomes may vary based on patient adherence and severity of vestibular disorder; standard techniques may not be equally effective for all vestibular or motion sickness patients. | Lack of outcome data on motion sickness patients, device complexity, and potential acclimatization requirements may limit generalizability until more evidence is available. | Variation in individual responses and limited specific data on traditional behavioral therapy for space motion sickness may affect predictions of outcome. |
Disclaimer: This comparison is created with the help of artificial intelligence(AI) and may contain errors or missing information. It is not medical advice and does not mean one option is better or safer than another. Clinical trials are still being studied, and joining a trial is your choice. Please consult your healthcare professional before making any decisions.
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Duration - 2 to 4 weeks
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial.
1 visit (in-person)
Duration - Daily for up to 4 weeks
Participants receive either traditional vestibular physical therapy exercises or use the SWAN device for guided vestibular rehabilitation to help reduce motion sickness and improve vestibular function.
Daily visits or assessments for up to 4 weeks
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
NONE
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Model
PARALLEL
Primary Purpose
TREATMENT
Number of Arms
4
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Christopher J Todd, Michael C Schubert, Carlo N Rinaudo...
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36075099/Johns Hopkins University
Lead Sponsor
National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)
Collaborating Sponsor