Virtual obstacles, real gains: AI and AR join forces to steady aging steps
NCT ID NCT07781995
First seen Aug 24, 2026 · Last updated Aug 26, 2026 · Updated 2 times
Summary
This study tests whether an 8-week training program using augmented reality (AR) can improve balance and mobility in adults aged 55-80 who have balance concerns. Participants wear AR smart glasses that project virtual obstacles and paths into their real environment, and an AI system adjusts the difficulty to each person's ability. The goal is to see if this engaging approach can help older adults improve their balance and reduce the risk of falls.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- AI-enhanced augmented reality balance and mobility training program using AR smart glasses and a smartphone app
- What this could lead to
- If successful, this could lead to a new, engaging way to improve balance and reduce fall risk in older adults, potentially preventing injuries and preserving independence.
- What could go wrong
- This is a small feasibility study, so results may not be generalizable. The technology may be difficult for some older adults to use, and the training may not produce significant improvements in balance or fall prevention.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Phase
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Not a phased trial
Phase numbers describe drug development. The registry uses this when they do not apply, as it does for trials of devices, procedures or behaviour changes, and for observational studies.
- Participants
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About 30 people
The number the study aims to enrol. It can still change while the study runs.
- Expected to start
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Nov 2026
An estimate. Start dates often move.
- Expected to finish
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Aug 2028
An estimate. End dates often move.
- Lead sponsor
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Other sponsor
The registry's catch-all category, for sponsors it does not file as a company, a government agency, or a research network.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
- Ages
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55 to 80 years
- Sex
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Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
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Not accepted
This study is not open to healthy volunteers. The entry requirements below say who it is open to.
Show the full entry requirements Hide the full entry requirements
Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: * Aged 55 - 80 years * Able to ambulate independently with or without an assistive device * Able to understand and follow instructions unimpeded by significant cognitive barriers (MoCA score must be 24/30 or higher) * Self-reported balance concerns or perceived risk of falls (e.g., reduced balance confidence) * Must be able to provide a list of current medications to the experimenters and the changes in medications during the study * Vision that normal or near normal with/without the use of glasses/lenses * Able to understand and follow study instructions in English Exclusion Criteria: * Engaging in any additional balance or mobility training programs while participating in the study * Diagnosed neurological conditions that substantially impair balance or mobility (e.g., stroke, Parkinson's disease, Traumatic Brain Injury) * Medical conditions that contraindicate moderate physical activity * Vision impairment that cannot be corrected by glasses or lenses
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As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
How to take part
Only the study team decides who joins. These are the ways to reach them.
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The places running it
1 site. The list below names each one and where it is.
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The official record
ClinicalTrials.gov lists the study team's own contact details, including names and phone numbers. We don't republish those.
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A doctor treating you
A doctor who knows your case can contact a study site on your behalf, and can tell you whether this study is worth pursuing at all.
Contacts and locations
Locations
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Ivor Wynne Center
Hamilton, Ontario, L8S 4L8, Canada
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