Cross-modal Neuromodulation to Improve Balance and Cognition in Older Adults With Glaucoma: A Randomized Trial of Cerebellar Transcranial Electrical Stimulation

ConditionGlaucoma
Trial statusRecruiting
Trial phaseNot applicable
Trial typeInterventional
Biological sexAll
Age55+
SponsorThe Hong Kong Polytechnic University

About this trial

The goal of this clinical trial is to use different tES techniques to constantly stimulate the cerebellum in older glaucoma patients. The main questions aim to answer :

1. If the different types of tES targeting the cerebellum can modulate glaucoma patients' balance function and visual-cognitive function? 2. Which tES techniques among the two types can benefit most?

Participants will be required to receive the stimulation 15 times (3 sessions, 5 continuous days/session, 1-week interval between each session), and complete the balance and visual-cognitive function outcome measurements before and after each session.

Eligibility criteria

Qualifiers

Age over 55 years old;

Diagnosis of primary open-angle or normal-tension glaucoma with relative scotoma in both eyes;

Humphrey Field Analyzer visual field loss (mean deviation of ≤- 6 dB) using the 24-2 testing protocol for both eyes;

Best-corrected distance visual acuity of 6/12 (equivalent to 0.3 logMAR) or better;

Disqualifiers

Have musculoskeletal disorders or neurological diseases that can affect the balance or nervous system.

Ocular diseases other than glaucoma (e.g., age-related macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, moderate to severe cataract) or severe hearing impairment (to ensure that participants can hear the instructions clearly during assessments and training)

Have any contraindications for tES

Trial design

Treatments tested in this trial

  • transcranial electrial stimulation

Treatment groups

36 Participants
are divided into 3 treatment groups