RecruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

Effects of Moderate/Severe Traumatic Brain Injury in the Subacute or Chronic Phase on Locomotor Strategies Involved in Navigation in Complex Virtual Environments

This research is exploring how people who have had a moderate or severe head injury cope with moving around and navigating in everyday situations. Normally, walking tests only involve walking in a straight line without obstacles. However, real life is much more complex, like walking down a busy street with other people. This study uses virtual reality to create these more realistic, 'real-life' environments. By observing how participants move and interact in these virtual settings, researchers hope to better understand the specific challenges people with head injuries face in their daily lives, helping to improve future support and rehabilitation.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

Pôle Saint Hélier

Enrolment target

Start

30 Nov 2025

Estimated completion

30 Oct 2026

Traumatic Brain Injury

What is this study about?

Imagine you're walking down a busy high street, dodging other shoppers, looking in shop windows, and maybe even talking on your phone. For most of us, this comes naturally. But what if you've had a significant head injury? Simple tasks like walking in a straight line might be fine, but navigating a complex, ever-changing environment can become a real challenge. This study wants to understand that difference.

Current ways of checking how well people move after a head injury often involve very simple tasks, like just walking in a straight line. While useful, these don't really show all the difficulties people might face in their day-to-day lives – for example, walking in a park, through a crowded market, or even just around their own home with furniture in the way.

This research is using special virtual reality settings to create more 'real-life' situations. Participants will be asked to move through these virtual environments. By doing this, the researchers hope to get a much clearer picture of the specific problems people with head injuries have when trying to move around and interact in a busy world. This information is key to developing better ways to help and support them in the future.

Key takeaways

This study uses virtual reality to understand how head injuries affect moving in real-world situations.
It aims to identify challenges people with head injuries face when navigating busy environments.
Participants will be adults aged 18-55, with or without a history of moderate to severe head injury.
The research avoids simple straight-line walking tests, focusing on more complex, everyday tasks.
Findings could help improve future support and rehabilitation for head injury patients.
Participation is voluntary, and you can withdraw at any time.

Who may be eligible?

This study is looking for adults aged 18 to 55 years old. They are interested in two groups: people who have had a moderate to severe head injury at least three months ago, and a comparison group of healthy volunteers.

For those who've had a head injury, you must be able to walk at a certain speed and distance without help, and keep your balance easily. You also need to be able to answer simple questions and understand what you're agreeing to do by giving your written consent. Even if you have a legal guardian, you still might be able to take part.

There are also some reasons why you wouldn't be able to join. This includes if you have serious mental health issues being treated, certain brain conditions like Parkinson's or Alzheimer's, bone and joint problems that affect your walking, uncontrolled epilepsy, or severe vision problems. Pregnant, breastfeeding, or expecting mothers are also unable to participate.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you between 18 and 55 years old?
If you had a head injury, was it moderate to severe, and did it happen at least 3 months ago?
Can you walk easily for at least 20 metres without help?
Are you generally able to keep your balance when standing and moving?
Are you able to understand and answer simple questions?
Are you not pregnant, breastfeeding, or expecting?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

The information provided does not detail the specific activities, number of visits, or total duration of participation. However, based on the study's goal, it would likely involve attending a research clinic. During your visit(s), you would be asked to participate in tasks within a virtual reality setting, where your movements and navigation skills would be observed. You would also be asked to complete simple questionnaires. This type of study does not involve taking new medications or any follow-up appointments after the main testing.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this study may not directly benefit you, but the information gathered could help doctors and therapists better understand and support people with head injuries in the future. Specific risks aren't mentioned, but virtual reality can sometimes cause motion sickness or dizziness in certain individuals. You will be told all potential risks before you decide to join. Remember, taking part is completely voluntary, and you are free to withdraw from the study at any time without giving a reason, and it will not affect your medical care.

Locations (1)

Fondation Saint Helier
Verified postcode
Rennes, France· Recruiting

Common questions

What is a 'moderate to severe head injury'?

This refers to the seriousness of the head injury you had, often measured by a score called the Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) shortly after the injury. The study defines it as a GCS score between 5 and 13.

What does 'subacute or chronic phase' mean?

This means that your head injury happened at least three months before you would take part in the study. It's not for people who have only recently had a head injury.

What is 'virtual reality'?

Virtual reality uses special equipment, often a headset, to create a computer-generated world that you can explore and interact with, making you feel like you are really there.

Why do they need healthy volunteers?

Healthy volunteers act as a comparison group. This helps researchers understand if any differences observed in people with head injuries are truly related to their injury, by comparing them to people without one.

Will I have to take any new medication?

No, this study focuses on your movement and navigation skills using virtual reality. It does not involve taking any new medicines.

How to find out more

Emilie Leblong, MD

emilie.leblong@fondationsainthelier.com +33299295043 Official trial record

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