Driving with Neuropathy
This study, called 'Driving with Neuropathy', is trying to see if a special type of training can help people with type 2 diabetes and nerve damage in their feet (diabetic polyneuropathy) drive more safely. Specifically, it looks at how they use the accelerator pedal. Participants will use a driving simulator and some will receive visual feedback (like a warning signal) if they press the pedal too hard. The researchers want to know if this feedback helps them reduce how often they press the accelerator down too far. They also want to understand when the biggest improvements happen and if this training can help with overall driving control.
At a glance
What is this study about?
This study, called 'Driving with Neuropathy', is trying to understand and potentially improve driving safety for people living with type 2 diabetes and nerve damage in their feet, also known as diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN). DPN can sometimes affect how someone feels and controls their feet, which could impact how they use the accelerator pedal while driving. The main idea is to see if a specific type of training, using visual feedback in a driving simulator, can help these drivers to use the accelerator pedal more gently and safely.
Imagine you're driving in a special simulator. Some drivers in the study will get a visual warning if they press the accelerator pedal down too far (more than about halfway). The researchers believe this warning will help them learn to press the pedal less forcefully. They want to find out if this training works, how quickly improvements happen, and if it also helps with overall driving control – like keeping the car steady and within its lane.
To do this, they will compare two groups of drivers with DPN: one group will receive this visual feedback training, and another group will not. They will also look at a group of drivers with diabetes but no nerve damage to understand how they typically use the accelerator. The goal is to make driving safer and to help drivers with DPN feel more confident and in control on the road.
Key takeaways
- A driving simulator study for people with type 2 diabetes.
- Investigates training using visual feedback for accelerator pedal control.
- Aims to improve driving safety for those with nerve damage (DPN).
- Compares a training group to a group without training.
- Helps researchers understand how diabetes and DPN affect driving.
- Participation involves simulator visits over several months.
Who may be eligible?
To join this study, you need to be able to understand English and all the study instructions. You must hold a full UK driving licence for at least 5 years and drive a car at least once a week. You will also need to have been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, either with or without diabetic peripheral neuropathy (nerve damage).
There are certain reasons why you might not be able to take part. For example, if you have an open sore on your foot, have had a significant part of your right foot or leg removed, or have dementia. You also can't participate if you're already in another research study that might affect your driving safety or the results of this study.
- Do I understand English and all study requirements?
- Do I have a full UK driving licence held for 5+ years?
- Do I drive at least once per week?
- Have I been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes (with or without nerve damage)?
- Do I have an active foot ulcer, significant lower limb amputation, or dementia?
This is a guide only — the research team will confirm whether you can take part.
What does participation involve?
If you join this study, you'll visit a driving simulator laboratory at Manchester Metropolitan University. Everyone will first have a practice drive, followed by an initial assessment of their driving (called Drive 2). If you have nerve damage and press the accelerator pedal down more than a certain amount during this initial assessment, you might then be randomly assigned to one of two groups.
If you're in the 'intervention' group, you'll have 6 simulator sessions, each about a month apart. During these sessions, you'll get visual feedback (like a warning) if you press the accelerator pedal too hard, to help you adjust your driving. If you're in the 'control' group, you'll still have follow-up visits, but these will be fewer (just two more after the initial visit) and you won't receive the visual feedback training. Each session, especially the first one, could last up to 1 hour and 45 minutes. The total duration of participation will depend on which group you are in, but for the intervention group, it will span about 6 months.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (1)
- Manchester Metropolitan UniversityManchester, United Kingdom· Recruiting
Common questions
What is 'diabetic peripheral neuropathy'?
It's nerve damage that can happen in people with diabetes, often affecting the feet and hands, which can change how you feel and control them.
What is a 'driving simulator'?
It's like a computer game where you sit in a mock-up car and drive in a virtual world. It feels like real driving but you're in a lab.
What does 'visual feedback' mean?
It means you'll see a signal or warning on a screen if you're pressing the accelerator pedal down more than the researchers want you to, helping you to adjust.
Will I be given real driving lessons?
No, this study uses a driving simulator and focuses on specific training within that simulated environment. It's not a driving lesson program.
How long will I be involved in the study?
If you are in the training group, you would generally be involved for about 6 months, with monthly visits. Other groups may have fewer visits.
How to find out more
Maaike Esselaar, PhD
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Interested in taking part?
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