AI-Enhanced Augmented Reality Balance and Mobility Training
AI-Enhanced Augmented Reality Balance and Mobility Training: Participants will complete an 8-week AI-enhanced augmented reality (AR) balance and mobility training program, consisting of 3-5 sessions per week of approximately 30 minutes each. Using AR smart glasses connected to a dedicated smartphone, participants will perform standing- and walking-based tasks, including obstacle negotiation, path following, step targeting, turning, and directional changes. A machine learning model adapts task difficulty based on individual performance using a challenge-point framework targeting approximately 80% task success. Difficulty is iteratively increased or decreased based on performance, including adjustments to target speed and target size. Training may be completed at McMaster University or, following an initial supervised session and home safety assessment, at the participant's home.
Study summary
Falls are a common problem in adults within the age of 55-80 years and can lead to injury and loss of independence. This study is testing a new type of balance training using augmented reality (AR). In this intervention, participants will see virtual objects, such as obstacles, placed in their environment and will practice stepping over or moving around them. The system will adjust the difficulty based on each person's performance. Participants will complete training sessions over several weeks. We will measure changes in balance, walking ability, and confidence before and after the program. The goal is to see if this training can help improve balance and reduce the risk of falls in older adults.
Eligibility
Sex
ALL
Min age
55 Years
Max age
80 Years
Healthy volunteers
No
Inclusion Criteria:
* Aged 55 - 80 years
* Able to ambulate independently with or without an assistive device
* Able to understand and follow instructions unimpeded by significant cognitive barriers (MoCA score must be 24/30 or higher)
* Self-reported balance concerns or perceived risk of falls (e.g., reduced balance confidence)
* Must be able to provide a list of current medications to the experimenters and the changes in medications during the study
* Vision that normal or near normal with/without the use of glasses/lenses
* Able to understand and follow study instructions in English
Exclusion Criteria:
* Engaging in any additional balance or mobility training programs while participating in the study
* Diagnosed neurological conditions that substantially impair balance or mobility (e.g., stroke, Parkinson's disease, Traumatic Brain Injury)
* Medical conditions that contraindicate moderate physical activity
* Vision impairment that cannot be corrected by glasses or lenses
Primary outcome measure(s)
Participant Retention Rate — From baseline (T1) through post-intervention assessment (T2), approximately 8 weeks Retention will be calculated as the percentage of enrolled participants who complete the post-intervention assessment (T2): number completing T2 divided by the number enrolled at baseline (T1), multiplied by 100.
Adherence to the Augmented Reality Training Program — Throughout the 8-week intervention Adherence will be calculated for each participant as the percentage of prescribed AR training sessions completed during the 8-week intervention. Participants are prescribed 3-5 sessions per week, with each session lasting approximately 30 minutes.
Weekly Augmented Reality Training Session Completion — Weekly throughout the 8-week intervention Weekly training participation will be assessed based on the number of AR training sessions completed each week. Completion of 3-5 sessions per week will be used to characterize adherence to the intended training frequency.
This page summarises publicly available registry data for informational purposes — not medical advice. Eligibility is determined by each study team; patients should discuss participation with their clinician.
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