Effects of Visual Impairment on Neurophysiological Responses and the Feasibility and Impact of Multimodal Virtual Assistance for Instrumental Activities of Daily Living in Low Vision Populations
NYU Langone Health
Summary
This study aims to investigate how visual impairment affects neurophysiological and biomechanical responses during real-world navigation and daily activities, with a focus on the rehabilitative feasibility and impact of assistive technologies. These technologies include applications and wearable devices designed to support various aspects of daily living for individuals with visual impairment. The VIS4ION platform (Visually Impaired Smart Service System for Spatial Intelligence \& On-board Navigation), a wearable system providing tactile and auditory feedback, is one component of this broader study. VIS4ION is designed to enhance environmental awareness and reduce cognitive load during mobility tasks for the visually impaired.
Description
Participants with low vision and matched controls will complete walking, navigation, information gathering, and object identification / reaching tasks in both controlled laboratory and real-world environments. Throughout these tasks, physiological measures (e.g., electrodermal activity, heart rate, brain activity, eye movements), biomechanical data (e.g., gait, posture, limb movements), and cognitive metrics will be collected. VIS4ION will be specifically evaluated for its potential to improve the low vision users' scene understanding, navigation efficiency, increase physical activity (e.g., s…
Eligibility
- Age range
- 18–80 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Yes
Inclusion Criteria: People with Visual Impairment: * Age between 18 and 80 years. * Diagnosis of visual impairment (any level, any etiology). * Current use of a primary mobility assistive device (e.g., white cane or guide dog). * Ability to travel independently (without assistance from another person). * Capacity to provide informed consent. * Willingness to complete all study-related assessments and procedures Healthy Controls: * Age between 18 and 80 years. * No self-reported visual impairment or use of mobility assistive devices. * Capacity to provide informed consent. * Willingness to…
Interventions
- DeviceVIS4ION Platform
The VIS4ION platform, a non-invasive wearable and smartphone-based system providing auditory (bone-conduction headphones) and haptic (wristband/belt) feedback to enhance mobility and daily living for people with blindness or low vision.
Location
- NYU Langone HealthNew York, New York