About this trial
The goal of this study is to learn if contrast frequency on step tread-edges influences foot clearance measures, a marker of fall risk, in older adults with and without visual impairments.
The main questions that aim to be answered are how foot clearance measures change across different frequencies of stair contrast, and how experiences and perceptions of different stair contrast frequencies are evaluated.
Researchers will compare individuals with and without visual impairments to see if contrast frequency on step tread-edges changes.
Participants will attend one visit during which their vision will be measured, and they will be asked to ascend and descend laboratory stairs at different contrast frequencies.
An optional second visit will entail a focus group meeting to better understand how contrast affects mobility in their home and everyday life.
Eligibility criteria
This trial accepts healthy volunteersQualifiers
≥ Contrast sensitivity log 1.6 or greater
travels independently in the community, including stairways > two times/week
comfortable ascending and descending a stairway with rest time provided
Disqualifiers
severe rheumatologic and or orthopedic diseases (e.g., awaiting joint replacement, active inflammatory disease)
lower-limb injuries and/or recent joint replacements (e.g., hip fracture, hip, or knee replacement within six months of study enrollment)
Trial design
Single group
Treatments tested in this trial
Frequency of contrast marking on stair steps
Other interventionFrequency of contrast marking on stair steps will be evaluated to determine how foot clearance, perceptions in older adults with and without impaired contrast sensivity
Treatment groups
Trial outcomes
Primary outcomes
Toe clearance
Toe, foot vertical clearance on stair steps
Heel clearance
heel, foot horizontal clearance on stair steps
Frequency of <5mm toe clearances
how often \<5mm toe clearances occur
Frequency of <5mm heel clearances
how often \<5mm toe clearances occur
Secondary outcomes
Likert-Scale responses of contrast marking frequency conditions
5-point range from strongly dislike to strongly like
Perception responses of contrast marking frequency conditions
Collected via auditory responses
Sponsors and contacts
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