Trial title: Effectiveness of Electrical Vestibular Nerve Stimulation in the Improvement of Sleep in Patients with Visual Impairment. This pilot clinical trial is testing whether a device called VeNS (vestibular nerve stimulation) can safely and effectively improve sleep in adults who are visually impaired. The study will compare the active VeNS device to a sham (inactive) device. Participants will use the device under supervision for 30 minutes a day over 4 weeks, followed by a 4-week observation period. Researchers will assess sleep improvements, safety, and how acceptable and easy the treatment is for participants. Allocation: Randomized to either active device or control device usage. Endpoint classification: Efficacy Study Intervention Model: Parallel Assignment in 1:1 active to control allocation Sample size: The aim is to recruit a total of up to 60 participants. The study will last 8 weeks in total for each subject.
Trial title: Effectiveness of Electrical Vestibular Nerve Stimulation in the Improvement of Sleep in Patients with Visual Impairment. Type of trial: A Pilot Randomized, Double-blind Sham-controlled Clinical Trial. Aim of the study: The aim of this pilot clinical trial is to evaluate the feasibility, safety and preliminary efficacy of VeNS compared to a Sham for improving sleep in individuals who are visually impaired. For this aim the clinical trial will evaluate the study retention rate, completion rate, adherence to the treatment regimen, and user experience questionnaire for acceptability measures (barriers, facilitators, participant burden, reasons for dropping out, satisfaction, perceptions). The study duration will be of 8 weeks with 4 weeks intervention and 4 weeks follow up. To determine the preliminary efficacy the study will measure the change in ISI from baseline to week 4 (Primary Outcome) and the Change in PSQI score and SF-36 (physical and mental component scores) from baseline to week 4 (Secondary Outcome). Safety will be evaluated by assessing the frequency and severity of adverse events (AEs) reported during the 4-week treatment period and the proportion of participants experiencing serious adverse events (SAEs) reported during the 4-week treatment period. Researchers will compare the real VeNS device to a sham device that looks the same but delivers no stimulation. Participants will: * Use either the VeNS or the sham device at the clinical site with supervision for 30 minutes every day during the 4-week intervention * Attend the 4 assessment visits where they will be assisted to fill in the required questionnaires for study data collection
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
TRIPLE
Enrollment
60
The Modius Sleep device is a non-invasive, battery-powered headset that delivers low-level electrical stimulation (up to 1.0 mA at 0.25 Hz) to the skin behind the ears over the mastoid processes. It is worn like headphones and used for 30 minutes per session, five times per week for four weeks, under clinical supervision. Participants are assisted by a staff member to position the electrodes and adjust stimulation intensity in 0.1 mA steps, up to a maximum of 1.0 mA. The headset is turned on manually, and participants are encouraged to set it up independently after initial guidance. Sessions take place while seated, and participants remain supervised throughout to ensure correct use and safety.
The sham version of the Modius Sleep device is visually and operationally identical to the active device to preserve blinding. It delivers a brief initial stimulation (30 seconds, with a 20-second taper) at 0.8 Hz to mimic the sensation of the active device without providing ongoing vestibular modulation. The appearance, placement, and user experience are the same, and participants are informed that the sensation may fade during use. Like the intervention device, the sham is used under supervision in the clinic for 30-minute sessions, ensuring identical procedures across both groups. This design maintains blinding while minimizing any physiological effects from the sham stimulation.
Preliminary evidence of efficacy
Change in Insomnia Severity Index (ISI) from baseline to week 4.
Time frame: 4 weeks
Safety Outcome
Assess the frequency and severity of adverse events (AEs) reported during the 4-week treatment period. Assess the proportion of participants experiencing serious adverse events (SAEs) reported during the 4-week treatment period.
Time frame: 4 weeks
Change in PSQI score from baseline to week 4.
Change in the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) (a validated, self-report questionnaire assessing sleep quality over a 1-month time period). The Index consists of nineteen items which generate seven subscores. The sum of scores for these seven components yields one total score. Each sub-score can range from 0 to 3 and the total score can range from 0 to 21. A total score of 5 or more indicates poor sleep quality; with a decrease in sleep quality reflected as the total score increases. The PSQI will be conducted at Screening/Week 0 and at week 4.
Time frame: 4 weeks
Change in SF-36 from baseline to week 4.
Change in SF-36 (physical and mental component scores) from baseline to week 4. The RAND 36-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36) is a validated self-report questionnaire assessing quality of life measures. The SF-36 has previously been tested for reliability and validity. The SF-36 will be conducted at Week 0 and Week 4.
Time frame: 4 weeks
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