Not yet recruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

Telerehabilitation of Balance Clinical and Economic Decision Support System

This study is testing a new home-based exercise system called TeleRehab DSS. It's designed for people aged 40-80 who have balance problems or have had falls due to conditions like stroke, mild cognitive impairment (memory issues), vestibular (inner ear) diseases, or Long Covid. The system uses a virtual coach, shown as a hologram, to guide exercises and monitor progress. Researchers want to see if this high-tech approach is safe, easy to use, and more effective than usual care in improving balance, walking, memory, confidence, and overall well-being. It's a follow-up to a successful project and aims to gather initial information for a larger study.

At a glance

Status

Not yet recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

University College, London

Enrolment target

460

Start

01 Sep 2025

Estimated completion

31 Aug 2026

Stroke Mild Cognitive Impairment Vestibular Diseases Long Covid19

What is this study about?

This study is about finding better ways to help people who have trouble with their balance. This might be because they've had a stroke, have some memory issues (called mild cognitive impairment), suffer from inner ear problems (vestibular diseases), or are experiencing the effects of Long Covid. Balance problems can make daily life difficult and increase the risk of falling, so finding effective ways to improve it is very important.

The researchers are testing a new system called TeleRehab DSS. Think of it as having a personal physical therapist at home who appears as a hologram to guide you through exercises. This system uses special sensors to watch how you're doing and gives you tips in real-time to help you do the exercises correctly. It's much more advanced than just watching a video, as it interacts with you. The aim is to see if this high-tech approach can make a real difference in how well people can balance, how easily they can walk, their memory skills, how confident they feel, and their general quality of life.

This study is a follow-up to a successful project called HOLOBalance, which showed a lot of promise. By comparing this new system to the usual care people receive, the researchers want to understand if it's a safe, helpful, and practical option for people with balance issues. The information gathered from this study will also help them plan an even bigger study in the future to confirm the results.

Key takeaways

Tests a new high-tech home balance exercise system (TeleRehab DSS).
Aimed at people aged 40-80 with balance issues from specific conditions.
Compares the new system to usual care for balance improvement.
Involves home exercises and regular check-ins with researchers.
Participation is voluntary and you can withdraw at any time.

Who may be eligible?

To join this study, you generally need to be between 40 and 80 years old and able to walk about 500 meters (the length of five football pitches) on your own or with a walking stick. It's important that you don't have severe eye problems or any recent injuries that would stop you from exercising. You also shouldn't have had any specific balance or memory rehabilitation in the last eight weeks, or have any implanted medical devices like a pacemaker.

Beyond these general requirements, you'll also need to meet some specific criteria related to your health condition. For example, if you've had a stroke, it must have been at least three months ago, and you should be at risk of falls. If you have mild cognitive impairment or a vestibular (inner ear) disorder, you'll also need to meet certain scores on memory and balance tests. The study is looking for people who are willing to follow the exercise programme and can understand and agree to take part.

Quick self-check

Are you between 40 and 80 years old?
Can you walk about 500 metres (with or without a stick) independently?
Do you have balance problems due to stroke, mild cognitive impairment, a vestibular disorder, or Long Covid?
Have you *not* had any specific balance or memory therapy in the last 8 weeks?
Do you *not* have a pacemaker or other implanted medical devices?
Are you willing to use the study equipment and follow an exercise programme?

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 be randomly put into one of two groups – like flipping a coin, so you won't get to choose. Both groups will have two visits to UCL (University College London): one just before starting the programme and another within a week of finishing. During these visits, you'll fill out questionnaires and do some walking, balance, and memory tests.

If you're in the 'Intervention Group', a research team member will visit your home to set up the TeleRehab DSS system and teach you how to use it. This involves wearing a lightweight headset and sensors while you do exercises guided by a hologram. If you're in the 'Control Group', you'll likely follow a standard home exercise programme. Everyone in the study will get weekly phone calls to check on their progress and remote check-ins (like video calls) at weeks 3, 6, and 9 to adjust exercises if needed. The research team will be available by phone or email during working hours if you have questions or concerns. If you miss exercises for three days, the team will get an alert to check in with you.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this study could offer several potential benefits. You might see improvements in your balance, walking, memory, and general well-being, potentially gaining more confidence in your daily activities. It also offers a chance to try a new, innovative way of doing rehabilitation from the comfort of your home. As with any exercise program, there's a small risk of discomfort or injury, but the exercises are designed to be safe, and your progress will be monitored closely. The TeleRehab DSS system involves wearing some equipment, which might be new or take some getting used to. Remember, your participation is completely voluntary; you can choose to leave the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your usual medical care.

Locations (5)

University Medical Center Freiberg Neurocenter (UKLFR)
Freiberg, Germany
National and Kapodistrian University of Athens
Athens, Greece
Secretaria Regional de Saúde e Proteção Civil da Região Autónoma da Madeira
Madeirã, Portugal
King Chulalongeorn Memorial Hospital (KMCH)
Bangkok, Thailand
University College London
London, United Kingdom

Common questions

What is 'Telerehabilitation Decision Support System'?

It's a new system that helps you do balance exercises at home using a virtual coach, like a hologram, that guides you and monitors your movements.

Who is this study for?

It's for people aged 40-80 years who have balance problems from conditions like stroke, mild memory issues, inner ear disorders, or Long Covid.

What will I have to do if I join?

You'll have two visits to UCL, do some home exercises (either with the new system or a standard programme), and have regular check-ins with the research team.

Will I get to choose my exercise group?

No, you will be randomly assigned to either the high-tech system group or a standard exercise group, like drawing lots.

What kind of equipment will I need to use?

If you're in the intervention group, you'll use a special camera, a lightweight headset to see the hologram, and body sensors to track your movements.

How to find out more

Doris-Eva Bamiou, PhD

d.bamiou@ucl.ac.uk 7813716768 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.