Balance Response in VR
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Virtual Reality Environment for Multiple Sclerosis Physiological and Biomechanical Balance Response: A Cross-Sectional Observational Experimental Study
IRAS ID
339382
Contact name
EMAD AL-YAHYA
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Nottingham
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 10 months, 30 days
Research summary
The project focuses on understanding balance control in people with Multiple Sclerosis (MS), a condition that affects the nervous system and often leads to balance difficulties. These balance issues can significantly impact quality of life, increasing the risk of falls and causing fear of falling, which worsen as MS progresses. Previous research has suggested that virtual reality (VR) might be useful for this purpose, but more detailed studies are needed. This research aims to investigate how VR can help understand balance in people with MS by comparing balance maintenance i.e. balance response in a VR environment, and between MS individuals and healthy individuals. The study will analyse both physiological (how the body functions) and biomechanical (how the body moves) aspects of balance control. Data will be gathered from MS individuals through observations and evaluations during balance tasks in VR. Initial findings indicate significant variation in how MS individuals respond to different balance control methods. This study could lead to better insights into balance issues, ultimately improving the understanding and management of balance problems in MS individuals. The research involves two phases: first, testing methods with healthy individuals, and then comparing the balance of MS patients to healthy controls. Participants will undergo a single 2-hour session in a controlled lab environment, performing balance tasks in VR with immediate dual measurements during the tasks. This comprehensive approach aims to determine VR's potential in understanding balance control in MS individuals, providing valuable insights for future treatment developments.
REC name
North West - Haydock Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
24/NW/0347
Date of REC Opinion
21 Nov 2024
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion