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AgingNCT06940245

Use of Virtual Reality for the Assessment of Attentional and Reaction Abilities for Fall Risk Evaluation

An observational study of Aging and Fall Risk Factors, run by I.R.C.C.S Ospedale Galeazzi-Sant'Ambrogio.

Not yet recruiting

Opening soon. The study is approved but enrolment has not started yet. Sites may already take enquiries.

Official record
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Trial summary

Aging is a condition characterized by a general decline in physical and cognitive performance, however its effects on various functions are still controversial. These changes lead to an increased risk of injuries, particularly due to falls. Read more about this study

Who is it for?
Ages 60 years and olderHealthy volunteers can take part
Conditions the study is for
Aging, Fall Risk Factors, Sleep
How many people
100 participants
Where
No sites listed yet
Study dates
20 Apr 2025to 30 Jul 2027
How long will I take part?
2 Weeks
Phase
Observational
Are there results?
Not yet: the study is under way

Key requirements

Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.

  • Ages 60 years and older
  • All sexes
  • Healthy volunteers accepted
  • Adult, Older adult

Study population: A minimum of 100 subjects aged 60 years or older will be recruited, but recruitment will continue until enough subjects are identified to reach the predetermined number for the second study. The subjects are chosen on the basis of the following inclusion and exclusion criteria

Who may be able to join

  • Male or female, of any ethnicity;
  • Age ≥ 60 years;
  • Cognitively intact;
  • Autonomous ambulation;
  • Signed and accepted informed consent to participate in all procedures required for the study.

Who cannot join

  • Body Mass Index > 40.0;
  • History of epileptic episodes;
  • Bone fractures in the last 6 months;
  • Previous surgical treatments for orthopedic conditions performed in the six months prior to study inclusion;
  • Use of medications that affect motor coordination, balance, and bone and muscle metabolism;
  • Conditions that, despite autonomous ambulation, influence fall risk (e.g., orthopedic, rheumatologic, or neurological conditions);
  • Carriers of pacemakers and mechanical implants.

About this study

Official title: Motor and Cognitive Abilities in Relation to Fall Risk: Use of Virtual Reality for the Assessment of Attentional and Reaction Capacities

Aging is a condition characterized by a general decline in physical and cognitive performance, however its effects on various functions are still controversial. These changes lead to an increased risk of injuries, particularly due to falls. According to the World Health Organization (WHO) report, 28-35% of individuals aged over 65 experience a fall each year, and this percentage increases with age. For this reason, preventing falls among the elderly is undeniably one of the most critical public health issues in today's aging society. Nowadays, it is widely demonstrated that the loss of muscle strength and mass, along with decreased balance, significantly increases the risk of falls. However, with aging, numerous other changes occur that contribute to an increased risk of falls, such as a decline in cognitive function, including attention, reaction capabilities and memory, as well as other factors that worsen the quality of life, such as insufficient sleep or nutrition. According to WHO estimates, by 2030, the number of injuries due to falls will double. Therefore, it is of great importance to understand and analyze the factors contributing to falls among older adults in everyday life. For this reason, the principal aim of this study was to evaluate the correlation between the fall index and the Visual Attention, Reaction Time and visual field using the technologies of Virtual Reality (VR). Since aging brigs changes in different aspect, the secondary objectives aim to study the correlation also with i) sleep quantity and quality parameters, ii) risk of malnutrition, and iii) physical condition, muscle conditions and strength in order to have a comprehensive understanding of the factors that most contribute to the risk of falls. In addition to these objectives, the correlation between acute sleep deprivation and the risk of falls will also be analyzed, in order to understand how inadequate sleep quantity can impact injuries in the elderly.

What is being measured

The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.

  1. 30 - second chair stand test

    to assess the leg strength and endurance in older adults. Being in a specific sitting position on a chair, the test consists of getting up and sitting down as many times as possible in 30 seconds

    Measured: 10 days ± 3 days after the familiarization day

Secondary outcomes (17)
  1. Virtual reality (VR-Brain Tracker)

    Evaluation to assess visual attention through the Multiple Object Tracking paradigm.

    Measured: 10 days ± 3 days after the familiarization day

  2. Strength asessment

    Handgrip Test (Kg) Flexors and Extensors of thigh muscles (Kg)

    Measured: 10 days ± 3 days after the familiarization day

  3. Balance test

    balance assessment is conducted using Baiobit equipment from BTS Bioengineering. The maximal balance time in monopodalic will be considered (s)

    Measured: 10 days ± 3 days after the familiarization day

  4. Sleep assessment

    Objective assessment of sleep quantity and quality using the MotionWatch 8® (CamTec, USA), and sleep diary.

    Measured: sleep monitoring duration: 10 days ± 3 days after the familiarization day

  5. Sleep Hygene Index

    Questionnaire to assess the sleep hygene

    Measured: 10 days ± 3 days after the familiarization day

  6. Body Impedence Assessment

    to assess body composition by measuring the resistance of electrical flow through the body. It helps estimate parameters like body fat percentage, muscle mass, and water content. BIA is commonly used in health and fitness settings to monitor changes in body composition, guide nutritional and fitness plans, and assess overall health.

    Measured: T1

  7. Virtual reality (CNS Sprint)

    To assess the response time (ms)

    Measured: 10 days ± 3 days after the familiarization day

  8. Virtual reality (Visual efficiency)

    To assess the visual field

    Measured: 10 days ± 3 days after the familiarization day

  9. The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index

    Questionnaire to assess sleep quality

    Measured: 10 days ± 3 days after the familiarization day

  10. Morningness-Eveningness Questionnaire

    Questionnaire to assess the chronotype

    Measured: 10 days ± 3 days after the familiarization day

  11. Karolinska Sleepiness Scale

    Scale to assess the sleepiness

    Measured: 10 days ± 3 days after the familiarization day

  12. Tiredness Severity Scale

    Scale to assess the tiredness

    Measured: 10 days ± 3 days after the familiarization day

  13. SARC-F

    A QUESTIONNAIRE FOR SCREENING THE RISK OF SARCOPENIA

    Measured: 10 days ± 3 days after the familiarization day

  14. International Physical Activity Questionnaire

    Questionnaire to assess the physical activity

    Measured: 10 days ± 3 days after the familiarization day

  15. BORG-CR10 scale

    EFFORT PERCEPTION SCALE

    Measured: 10 days ± 3 days after the familiarization day

  16. Mini Nutritional Assessment

    QUESTIONNAIRE TO ASSESS THE RISK OF MALNUTRITION

    Measured: 10 days ± 3 days after the familiarization day

  17. Nutritional diary

    Keeping a food diary helps collect accurate data on participants' eating habits for scientific analysis.

    Measured: 10 days ± 3 days after the familiarization day

Timeline

From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.

  1. First posted23 Apr 2025
  2. Study start20 Apr 2025 (estimated)
  3. Primary completion1 Jul 2027 (estimated)
  4. Study completion30 Jul 2027 (estimated)

Resources

More details

For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.

Study design
Study type
Observational
Observational model
Other
Time perspective
Cross-sectional
Enrolment
100 participants (estimated)
Target duration
2 Weeks
IDs, dates and publications
ClinicalTrials.gov ID
NCT06940245
Sponsor's protocol ID
VR&RISKofFALL
Status last verified
Apr 2025
First submitted
2 Apr 2025
Last updated
23 Apr 2025
Results posted
No
Data monitoring committee
Yes
FDA-regulated drug
No
FDA-regulated device
No
Individual data sharing
Undecided

Questions about this trial

What is this clinical trial studying?

An observational study of Aging and Fall Risk Factors, run by I.R.C.C.S Ospedale Galeazzi-Sant'Ambrogio.

The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.

Who may be eligible to take part?

The sponsor lists 5 inclusion and 7 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.

Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?

The record says: opening soon, as of the sponsor's last update on 23 Apr 2025. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.

What are the possible benefits and risks?

They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.

Are results available for this study?

This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.

How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?

The record lists no contact. The official record names the sponsor, who can be asked directly. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.

What does the primary outcome measure?

30 - second chair stand test (time frame: 10 days ± 3 days after the familiarization day). It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.

Where can I read the original study information?
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?

No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.

How often is this information updated?

AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 23 Apr 2025.

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