ClinicalTrials.gg
CompletedNCT03846830INVENTUpdated Nov 12, 2025

Incremental Velocity Error as a New Treatment in Vestibular Rehabilitation

An interventional study of Incremental Velocity Error (IVE) and Traditional Vestibular Rehabilitation (VPT) in Mild Traumatic Brain Injury and Vestibular Neuropathy, sponsored by Johns Hopkins University. Completed at 2 sites in United States. Open to participants aged 18 Years and older. Per ClinicalTrials.gov, last updated 2025-11-12.

Sponsored by Johns Hopkins University · Not applicable, Interventional, and Treatment

Phase
Not applicable
Study type
Interventional
Enrollment
24
Allocation
Randomized
Ages
18 Years and older
Sex
All
01

Study summary

The objective for this study is to compare outcome measures from vestibular rehabilitation (VPT) delivered in a traditional method against a new device Incremental Velocity Error (IVE) that improves physiologic performance of the vestibulo-ocular reflex. Participants include active duty service members with mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) and civilians with peripheral vestibular hypofunction. The investigators will use a clinical trial cross-over design with randomization to either the control (VPT) or experimental (IVE) group and measure vestibulo-ocular reflex function as well as subjective and functional outcomes in order to investigate the best means to improve delivery of vestibular rehabilitation.

02

Conditions studied

  • Mild Traumatic Brain Injury
  • Vestibular Neuropathy

Keywords

  • gaze stability
  • balance
  • vestibulo-ocular reflex (VOR) gain
  • dizzy
03

In context

Brain Concussion

637 studies on the registry are indexed under Brain Concussion; 163 are open to participants now.

This study's enrollment of 24 is below the median of 63 across 446 interventional studies indexed under Brain Concussion.

Browse Brain Concussion studies →

Lead sponsor

Johns Hopkins University is the lead sponsor of 1,815 studies on the registry; 315 are open to participants now.

Of its 208 completed or terminated interventional studies of FDA-regulated products, 144 (69%) have results posted.

Counted across the registry records on this site, refreshed daily.

04

Who can participate

Ages eligible
18 Years and older
Sexes eligible
All
Accepts healthy volunteers
No

Go through the criteria one by one — yes, no or not sure — and take the list to your doctor or the study team. Kept in this browser only.

Inclusion criteria

  • Greater than or equal to 18 years old
  • Service members with mTBI and civilian patients with vestibular hypofunction, both of which reports vestibular symptoms (i.e. dizziness, imbalance).

Exclusion criteria

Exclusion Criteria:

  • Any subjects with a self-reported history of significant ophthalmic, neuromuscular, cardiovascular (except hypertension), renal/electrolyte and psychiatric disorders
  • Those with uncontrolled severe hypertension (systolic BP of >200 mm Hg and/or a diastolic BP of > 110 mmHg at rest)
  • Those with a recent history of alcohol and/or drug abuse within the past 6 months
05

Study design

Phase
Not applicable
Primary purpose
Treatment
Allocation
Randomized
Intervention model
Crossover assignment
Masking
Quadruple (Participant, Care provider, Investigator, Outcomes assessor)
Enrollment
24 participants (actual)

Study arms

  • Active comparator
    IVE/VPT 6 week Crossover

    Subjects will randomly be placed in one of two groups (IVE or VPT) involving daily exercise for 5 weeks, 6 weeks washout, and then crossover into the other group for a final 5 weeks. The Incremental Velocity Error (IVE) group uses a device worn on the head that delivers a moving target during head motion; while Traditional Vestibular Rehabilitation (VPT) uses the traditional eye and head turning rehabilitation exercises. Gait and balance training offered throughout each of the 5 weeks epochs of training.

    Device: Incremental Velocity Error (IVE) · Behavioral: Traditional Vestibular Rehabilitation (VPT)

  • Experimental
    IVE/VPT 3 week Crossover

    Subjects will randomly be placed in one of two groups (IVE or VPT) involving daily exercise for 3 weeks, 3 weeks washout, and then crossover into the other group for a final 3 weeks. The Incremental Velocity Error (IVE) group uses a device worn on the head that delivers a moving target during head motion; while Traditional Vestibular Rehabilitation (VPT) uses the traditional eye and head turning rehabilitation exercises. Gait and balance training will not start until the washout period.

    Device: Incremental Velocity Error (IVE) · Behavioral: Traditional Vestibular Rehabilitation (VPT)

  • Active comparator
    IVE/VPT 3 week crossover

    Subjects will randomly be placed in one of two groups (IVE or VPT) involving every other day exercise for 3 weeks, 3 weeks washout, and then crossover into the other group for a final 3 weeks. The Incremental Velocity Error (IVE) group uses a device worn on the head that delivers a moving target during head motion; while Traditional Vestibular Rehabilitation (VPT) uses the traditional eye and head turning rehabilitation exercises. Gait and balance training offered throughout the 3 weeks of exercise.

    Device: Incremental Velocity Error (IVE) · Behavioral: Traditional Vestibular Rehabilitation (VPT)

Interventions

  • DeviceIncremental Velocity Error (IVE)

    A lightweight headband has electronics attached that detect head velocity and move a laser target at a fraction of the head velocity.

  • BehavioralTraditional Vestibular Rehabilitation (VPT)

    Standard of care, meta-analysis vetted, eye and head motion exercises to reduced morbidity associated with dizziness and imbalance.

06

What researchers measure

Primary outcomes

  1. Change in vestibulo-ocular reflex (VOR) Gain

    A ratio of eye/head velocity measured using a small video camera attached to a lightweight headband. This is an off-the-shelf device commonly used in clinic. Scores typically vary between 0 and 1.2 and normal ranges are between 0.8 and 1.2.

    Time frame: Weekly, up to 6 months

Secondary outcomes

  1. Baseline vestibular function assessed with Videonystagmography/Electronystagmography (VNG/ENG)

    The VNG/ENG is a suite of tests that measure oculomotor function and vestibular function by asking subjects to follow moving targets while the eyes are recording with video (VNG) or electrodes (ENG). Also included is a warm and cold air flush into the external ear, which stimulates the 8th cranial nerve. The report includes measures of eye velocity (deg/sec), position, (deg) and acceleration (deg/sec/sec) relative to the moving targets. These data are presented in a plot that is compared to normative values provided by the company to assess baseline vestibular function.

    Time frame: At first visit, up to 30 minutes.

  2. Baseline oculomotor function assessed with Videonystagmography/Electronystagmography (VNG/ENG)

    This is a standard clinical test being done to characterize baseline vestibular function. The VNG/ENG is a suite of tests that measure oculomotor function and vestibular function by asking subjects to follow moving targets while the eyes are recording with video (VNG) or electrodes (ENG). Also included is a warm and cold air flush into the external ear, which stimulates the 8th cranial nerve. The report includes measures of eye velocity (deg/sec), position, (deg) and acceleration (deg/sec/sec) relative to the moving targets. Data also includes velocity of eye rotations relative to healthy controls. These data are presented in a plot that is compared to normative values provided by the company to assess baseline oculomotor function.

    Time frame: At first visit, up to 30 minutes.

  3. Baseline vestibular function assessed with Vestibular Evoked Myogenic Potential (VEMP)

    This is a standard clinical test being done to characterize baseline vestibular function. The VEMP test uses surface electromyography to record sternocleidomastoid and/or inferior oblique muscle activity. The report output is the latency and magnitude of the muscle response. These data are presented in a plot that is compared to normative values provided by the company to assess baseline vestibular function.

    Time frame: At first visit, up to 20 minutes.

  4. Baseline vestibular function assessed with Rotary Chair

    This is a standard clinical test being done to characterize baseline vestibular function. The Rotary Chair test positions subjects in an enclosure, seated in a chair that moves 360deg at 60 and 240 deg/sec. The report includes measures of eye and head velocity (deg/sec) and position (deg). These data are presented in a plot that is compared to normative values provided by the company to assess baseline vestibular function.

    Time frame: At first visit, up to 40 minutes.

  5. Change in Dizziness Handicap Inventory

    This is a questionnaire filled out by the subject that includes items describing the behavioral impact of experiencing dizziness/imbalance. Each items is scored as a Likert scale type variable where subjects answer Yes Sometimes or No. Scores range from 0-100, with 0 indicating no impact of dizziness while scores of 100 indicate a severe impact.

    Time frame: Every other week, up to 6 months

  6. Change in Activity Specific Balance Confidence scale (ABC)

    Self-report measure that asks subjects to rate their confidence performing 16 activities of daily living. Each item is scored from 0 to 100% in 10% increments with 0% indicating No confidence and 100% indicating Complete confidence.

    Time frame: Every other week, up to 6 months

  7. Change in Neurobehavioral Symptom Inventory (NSI)

    This is a 22 item questionnaire that asks how bothersome symptoms are. Items are scored from 0 (None) to 4 (Very Severe). HIgher scores imply the symptoms are more bothersome.

    Time frame: Every other week, up to 6 months

  8. Change in Patient Global Impression of Change (PGIC)

    This is a questionnaire filled out by the subject that assesses change in activity, symptoms, emotions, and overall quality of life. Items are between 1 (no change) to 7 (considerable) and higher scores suggest a better change in symptom management.

    Time frame: Every other week, up to 6 months

  9. Change in Dynamic Visual Acuity (DVA)

    This is a standard clinical test of visual acuity during active (self-generated) head rotation. Subjects identify letters on a computer monitor; scores range from 20/10 acuity to 20/800 and normative data are available to compare.

    Time frame: Every other week, up to 6 months

  10. Change in Time ( in seconds) Standing during the Modified Clinical Test of Sensory Interaction on Balance (mCTSIB)

    Subjects stand quietly (arms folded) on the ground or on a compliant surface while time is measured up to 30 seconds. This is a standard measure of standing posture/balance. Each participant gets a score ranging from 0 to 30 seconds with higher scores correlating with a better balance.

    Time frame: Every other week, up to 6 months

  11. Change in Area (in degrees) of Sway during the Modified Clinical Test of Sensory Interaction on Balance (mCTSIB)

    Subjects stand quietly (arms folded) on the ground or on a compliant surface while sway is measured using small sensors placed on the body (inertial measurement units). The sensors measure amount of sway in degrees and the duration the subject stands is measured for up to 30 seconds. Sway scores range 0 to 20 degrees of motion side to side and fore-aft. Lower scores correlate with a better balance.

    Time frame: Every other week, up to 6 months

  12. Change in the tandem walk test assessed by number of steps taken

    Ability to walk heel to toe for a distance of 10 steps.

    Time frame: Every other week, up to 6 months

  13. Change in the time to complete the Timed Up and Go (TUG) Ipsi Turn.

    Subjects total time (in seconds) is recorded to stand from seated position, walk 3 meters, turn around 180-degrees and return to sit.

    Time frame: Every other week, up to 6 months

  14. Change in the time to complete the Timed Up and Go (TUG) Contra Turn.

    Subjects total time (in seconds) is recorded to stand from seated position, walk 3 meters, turn around 180-degrees and return to sit.

    Time frame: Every other week, up to 6 months

  15. Change in Fogginess (mental) during the Patrol Exertion Multitask Test (PEMT)

    This is a 12-minute test that includes stepping while viewing a virtual scenario of a patrol task. Subjects step on/off a 6-inch step while being asked to identify objects in the virtual scene. The fogginess is rated on a visual analog scale from 0 (no symptoms) -10 (worse symptoms).

    Time frame: Every other week, up to 6 months

  16. Change in Dizziness during the Patrol Exertion Multitask Test (PEMT)

    This is a 12-minute test that includes stepping while viewing a virtual scenario of a patrol task. Subjects step on/off a 6-inch step while being asked to identify objects in the virtual scene. The dizziness is on a visual analog scale from from 0 (no symptoms) -10 (worse symptoms).

    Time frame: Every other week, up to 6 months

  17. Change in Headache during the Patrol Exertion Multitask Test (PEMT)

    This is a 12-minute test that includes stepping while viewing a virtual scenario of a patrol task. Subjects step on/off a 6-inch step while being asked to identify objects in the virtual scene. The headache is rated on a a visual analog scale from 0 (no symptoms) -10 (worse symptoms).

    Time frame: Every other week, up to 6 months

  18. Change in Nausea during the Patrol Exertion Multitask Test (PEMT)

    This is a 12-minute test that includes stepping while viewing a virtual scenario of a patrol task. Subjects step on/off a 6-inch step while being asked to identify objects in the virtual scene. The nausea is rated on a a visual analog scale from 0 (no symptoms) -10 (worse symptoms).

    Time frame: Every other week, up to 6 months

  19. Change in visual acuity during the Patrol Exertion Multitask Test (PEMT)

    This is a 12-minute test involving the use of virtual reality goggles and viewing a scenario that mimic a patrolling scenario. Subjects step on/off a 6-inch step while being asked to identify objects in the scene. A subjective rating of visual acuity using a visual analog scale from 0 (no symptoms) -10 (worse symptoms).

    Time frame: Every other week, up to 6 months

  20. Change in Mean Reaction Time during the Patrol Exertion Multitask Test (PEMT)

    This is a 12-minute test involve stepping on/off a 6-in step while viewing a virtual video patrol scenario. The reaction time (in milliseconds) to respond to 11 auditory cues embedded in the virtual scene is measured.

    Time frame: Every other week, up to 6 months

  21. Change in 5 min heart rate during the Patrol Exertion Multitask Test (PEMT)

    This is a 12-minute test involve stepping on/off a 6-in step while viewing a virtual video patrol scenario. The heart rate at 5 minute is measured in beats per minute.

    Time frame: Every other week, up to 6 months

  22. Pre heart rate during the Patrol Exertion Multitask Test (PEMT)

    This is a 12-minute test involve stepping on/off a 6-in step while viewing a virtual video patrol scenario. The initial heart rate is measured in beats per minute.

    Time frame: Every other week, up to 6 months

  23. Post (video) heart rate during the Patrol Exertion Multitask Test (PEMT)

    This is a 12-minute test involve stepping on/off a 6-in step while viewing a virtual video patrol scenario. The post video completion heart rate is measured in beats per minute.

    Time frame: Every other week, up to 6 months

  24. Final heart rate during the Patrol Exertion Multitask Test (PEMT)

    This is a 12-minute test involve stepping on/off a 6-in step while viewing a virtual video patrol scenario. The 3 min post video completion heart rate is measured in beats per minute.

    Time frame: Every other week, up to 6 months

  25. Pre Rate of Perceived Exertion for the Patrol Exertion Multitask Test (PEMT)

    This is a 12-minute test involve stepping on/off a 6-in step while viewing a virtual video patrol scenario. Rate of Perceived Exertion (RPE) is measured on a scale from 6 (rest) - 20 (maximal exertion) scale.

    Time frame: Every other week, up to 6 months

  26. Post (video) Rate of Perceived Exertion for the Patrol Exertion Multitask Test (PEMT)

    This is a 12-minute test involve stepping on/off a 6-in step while viewing a virtual video patrol scenario. Post RPE is measured at the end of the video using the 6 (rest) - 20 (maximal exertion) scale.

    Time frame: Every other week, up to 6 months

  27. 5 min Rate of Perceived Exertion for the Patrol Exertion Multitask Test (PEMT)

    This is a 12-minute test involve stepping on/off a 6-in step while viewing a virtual video patrol scenario. RPE is measured at the 5th minute from starting the video using the 6 (rest) - 20 (maximal exertion) scale.

    Time frame: Every other week, up to 6 months

  28. Change in the Functional Gait Assessment (FGA)

    The FGA is a 10-item behavioral test assessing risk for fall. Each items is scored from 0 (severe) to 3 (normal) impairment. Scores range from 0 - 30 with scores compared against normative data.

    Time frame: Every other week, up to 6 months

07

Study locations

2 sites
  • Johns Hopkins University
    Baltimore, Maryland 21287, United States
  • Fort Belvoir CH
    Fort Belvoir, Virginia 22060, United States
08

References and documents

Publications

  • Todd CJ, Hubner PP, Hubner P, Schubert MC, Migliaccio AA. StableEyes-A Portable Vestibular Rehabilitation Device. IEEE Trans Neural Syst Rehabil Eng. 2018 Jun;26(6):1223-1232. doi: 10.1109/TNSRE.2018.2834964. PubMed 29877847 ↗
  • Migliaccio AA, Schubert MC. Pilot study of a new rehabilitation tool: improved unilateral short-term adaptation of the human angular vestibulo-ocular reflex. Otol Neurotol. 2014 Dec;35(10):e310-6. doi: 10.1097/MAO.0000000000000539. PubMed 25122595 ↗
  • Ervin AM, Schubert MC, Migliaccio AA, Perin J, Coulibaly H, Millar JL, Roberts D, Shelhamer M, Gold D, Beauregard S, Pinto R, Brungart D, Ward BK; INVENT VPT Research Group. Incremental Velocity Error as a New Treatment in Vestibular Rehabilitation (INVENT VPT) Trial: study protocol for a randomized controlled crossover trial. Trials. 2021 Dec 11;22(1):908. doi: 10.1186/s13063-021-05876-4. PubMed 34895314 ↗

Individual participant data

Plan to share: No — We will only share de-identified individual participant data (IPD) with researchers on the approved research protocol.

09

Timeline

Tracking since Sep 25, 2026
ElapsedEstimatedEstimated, not yet reachedSimilar studies: half by the dot; the band is the middle halfHalf of similar studies reached it by the dot; the band is the middle half, from a quarter to three quarters

Ran from Oct 2021 to primary completion in Apr 2025, 41 months.

Of 248 non-industry interventional studies with no phase under Brain Concussion, half reached primary completion within 28 months of starting (the median), counting those still running; a quarter within 19 and three quarters within 47. This study's 41 months is above that.

Counting every sponsor, half of 264 studies reached it within 28 months; a quarter within 19 and three quarters within 47.

How these figures are worked out, and which studies are left out of them.

Registered
Feb 15, 2019
First posted
Feb 20, 2019
StartActual
Oct 11, 2021
Primary completionActual
Apr 1, 2025
CompletionActual
Apr 1, 2025
Last update
Nov 12, 2025
What these dates mean
Start.
When the first participant enrolled; while estimated, when the study expects to open to recruitment.
Primary completion.
When the last participant was examined or treated to collect data for the study's main question, its primary outcome. A study that stopped early gives the date its data collection stopped.
Completion.
When the last participant's last visit took place, for every outcome, secondary ones and side effects included: the end of the study. Often later than primary completion, sometimes the same day.
Actual and Est.
Actual means the registry says the date has happened. Est. (estimated) is a date the sponsor plans or expects. It can still move, and the sponsor is expected to change it to actual once it has passed.
No changes since tracking began. The registry record was last updated on Nov 12, 2025, before this site started recording changes on Sep 25, 2026. Its history is on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗
10

Registry details

Key details

Study ID
NCT03846830
Collaborators
Fort Belvoir Community Hospital, Neuroscience Research Australia, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center
Responsible party
Sponsor
First posted
Feb 20, 2019
Start date
Oct 11, 2021
Primary completion
Apr 1, 2025
Completion
Apr 1, 2025
Last update
Nov 12, 2025

Study contacts

Michael C Schubert, PhD
principal investigator · Johns Hopkins University

Oversight

FDA-regulated drug
No
FDA-regulated device
No
View the source record on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

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