Virtual reality-based perceptual learning therapy for visually impaired population: study protocol for a randomized clinical trial

NCT ID NCT07809243

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First seen Sep 09, 2026 · Last updated Sep 09, 2026

Summary

Visual impairments significantly impact individuals' activities of daily living (ADL) and quality of life (QoL). While perceptual learning (PL) has shown promise in vision rehabilitation, traditional PL usually involves a protracted training process, and its training effects may sometimes lack ecological validity. This study protocol outlines a two-arm, single-blind, randomized controlled trial to evaluate the efficacy of an innovative virtual reality (VR)-based PL therapy integrated with machine learning algorithms. Twenty participants with visual field deficits will be recruited and randomized in a 1:1 ratio into either the VR training group or a no-intervention control group. The intervention consists of six visits (1-7 days apart), each involving two training tasks (20 - 30 minutes per task). The VR training task is an Ecological Multiple Object Tracking task and a Dual task. Training stimuli are personalized to target each participant's transition zone (1\~20 dB) based on the result of clinical visual field test. A Deep Reinforcement Learning (DRL) framework, specifically the Proximal Policy Optimization (PPO) algorithm, is utilized as an adaptive controller to dynamically modulate task difficulty and maintain participants in an optimal cognitive "flow state". The primary outcome is visual field area improvement (measured by Humphrey Field Analyzer). Secondary outcomes include pre- and post-intervention assessments of visual search, balance ability, fear of falling, ADL, and QoL. It is hypothesized that participants in the VR training group will obtain improvements in primary and secondary outcomes.

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Study facts

What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.

Phase

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

About 20 people

The number the study aims to enrol. It can still change while the study runs.

Expected to start

Oct 2026

An estimate. Start dates often move.

Expected to finish

Jan 2029

An estimate. End dates often move.

Lead sponsor

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

18 to 80 years

Sex

Anyone

Healthy volunteers

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

Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.

Inclusion Criteria: * Humphrey visual field analyzer (HFA) visual field loss (mean deviation of ≤-6 dB) Exclusion Criteria: * Comprehension disorder that does not allow understanding of tests or training (e.g., in severe aphasia) * Currently under other PL treatment

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How to take part

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Contacts and locations

Locations

  • Units 901-903, 9/F, Building 17W, 17 Science Park West Avenue, Hong Kong Science Park, Pak Shek Kok, Shatin

    Hong Kong, Hong Kong