OKS for Gait Instability

Study Overview
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Brief Summary
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Specific aim: To determine whether optokinetic stimulation can improve gait abnormalities. Hypothesis: Optokinetic stimulation stimulates the vestibular system and can improve vestibular induced gait disorders.

Detailed Description
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This is a pilot study designed to determine whether or not the optokinetic stimulation improves gait in patients with gait abnormalities, specifically vestibular induced gait disorders. The study population will consist of patients already receiving a gait assessment through the Brain Fit Club (BFC) at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center. This gait assessment involves walking and posture evaluations. Patients will complete a gait assessment as part of their normal BFC evaluation. Those who consent to participate in the study will then complete a gait assessment while receiving optokinetic stimulation. The investigators will compare baseline gait and postural control before and during OKS stimulation.

Official Title
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Optokinetic Stimulation for the Treatment of Gait Abnormalities

Conditions
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Gait, Unsteady, Vestibular Disorder

Intervention / Treatment
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* Device: OKS


Participation Criteria
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Eligibility Criteria
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Inclusion criteria: Receiving a gait assessment through the BFC Ages 21-75 Exclusion criteria: Left hemiparesis Requires a cane or walker Documented evidence of falls or instability to the left Reduced vision Moderate or severe dementia

Ages Eligible for Study
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Minimum Age: 50 Years
Maximum Age: 90 Years

Sexes Eligible for Study
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All

Accepts Healthy Volunteers
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No

Study Plan
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How is the study designed?
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Design Details

Primary Purpose: Device Feasibility
Intervention Model: Single Group Assignment
Interventional Model Description: Patients undergoing a clinical gait assessment will be recruited for this study. Those that consent to participate will complete their clinical gait assessment as part of their normal evaluation. Subjects will then complete a gait assessment while wearing experiencing optokinetic stimulation. The investigators will compare baseline gait and postural control before and during OKS stimulation.
Masking: None (Open Label)


Arms and Interventions

| Participant Group/Arm | Intervention/Treatment |
| --- | --- |
| Experimental: Gait<br>Patients undergoing a routine clinical gait assessment at the Brain Fit Club at BIDMC will have their posture and gait measured before and during optokinetic stimulation (OKS). | Device: OKS<br>* Optokinetic stimulation<br>|

What is the study measuring?
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Primary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Gait - (measured using a wireless 3D accelerometer) | Change in walking balance (lateral step deviation) as measured using a wireless 3D accelerometer | After 5 minutes of OKS | 
| Posture - (measured using a stationary force platform) | Change in standing balance (left-right deviation) as measured using a stationary force platform. | After 5 minutes of OKS | 

Secondary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Speed | Change in gait speed | After 5 minutes of OKS |