NystagmusNCT07583901
Effects of Gaze Stabilization Exercises and Optokinetic Training in Peripheral Vestibular Disorders
A study testing Gaze stabilization exercises and Optokinetic training in people with Nystagmus and Optokinetic Nystagmus, run by Foundation University Islamabad at 1 site in Pakistan.
Trial summary
This study compares the effectiveness of Gaze Stabilization Exercises and Optokinetic Training in improving dizziness, balance, and confidence in individuals with peripheral vestibular disorders. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 35 to 55 years
- Conditions the study is for
- Nystagmus, Optokinetic Nystagmus
- What is being tested?
- Gaze stabilization exercises and Optokinetic training
- Type of treatment
- Surgery or procedure
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 32 participants
- Where
- 1 sitePakistan
- Study dates
- 18 Nov 2025to 1 May 2026
- Phase
- Interventional
- Are there results?
- None posted in the registry
Key requirements
Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.
- Ages 35 to 55 years
- All sexes
- No healthy volunteers
- Adult
Who may be able to join
- Male and female patients aged 35-55 years
- Complaining of dizziness for at least three months
- Reporting at least one dizziness episode per month
- Medical diagnosis of chronic peripheral vestibular disease
- Willingness to participate and provide informed consent
Who cannot join
- Medical history or signs of central nervous system disorders and/or psychiatric disorders
- Uncontrolled hypertension and diabetes
- Incapacity to understand and follow simple verbal commands
- Inability to independently remain in standing position
- Severe visual impairment or visual impairment not compensated by corrective lenses
- Orthopedic disorders resulting in movement limitation or use of lower-limb prostheses
- Previous body balance rehabilitation in the last six months
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country.
Pakistan1 site
Foundation University College of Physical Therapy
Islamabad, 44000
About this study
This study compares the effectiveness of Gaze Stabilization Exercises and Optokinetic Training in improving dizziness, balance, and confidence in individuals with peripheral vestibular disorders.
Read the detailed description
Peripheral vestibular disorders (PVD) commonly cause dizziness, postural instability, and decreased balance confidence, which increase the risk of falls and limit participation in daily activities. Vestibular rehabilitation is widely used to manage these symptoms. Among rehabilitation approaches, Gaze Stabilization Exercises (GSE) aim to improve vestibulo-ocular reflex function, while Optokinetic Training (OKT) promotes symptom habituation through visual motion stimulation. However, the comparative effectiveness of these two interventions remains unclear.
This study aims to compare the effects of GSE and OKT on dizziness severity, postural stability, and balance confidence in individuals with peripheral vestibular disorders. Participants will undergo intervention sessions three times per week for six weeks. Outcome measures will be assessed at baseline, mid-intervention (week 3), and post-intervention (week 6).
Primary and secondary outcomes will include the Dizziness Handicap Inventory (DHI), Dynamic Gait Index (DGI), and the Activities-specific Balance Confidence (ABC) Scale. Data will be analyzed using SPSS statistical software. It is hypothesized that both interventions will improve dizziness, balance, and confidence, though differences in effectiveness may exist between the two approaches.
The findings of this study are expected to contribute to evidence-based vestibular rehabilitation by identifying effective intervention strategies. The results may help clinicians design personalized rehabilitation programs aimed at reducing fall risk, improving functional mobility, and enhancing quality of life in individuals with peripheral vestibular disorders.
- Conditions
- Nystagmus, Optokinetic Nystagmus
- Being tested
- Gaze stabilization exercises, Optokinetic training
- Medical subject headings
- Nystagmus, Pathologic
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Gaze stabilization exercisesProcedure or surgery
The control group received gaze stabilization exercises for 6 weeks, comprising 18 supervised sessions conducted three times weekly. Training included VOR x1 and VOR x2 exercises in horizontal and vertical planes using near and far visual targets. Exercises progressed from sitting to standing positions and from simple to visually busy backgrounds. Each session also included balance training activities such as weight shifts, tandem stance, pivot turns, and walking with head movements, with rest periods provided as needed.
Optokinetic trainingProcedure or surgery
The experimental group underwent optokinetic training for 6 weeks with 18 supervised sessions conducted three times weekly. Participants were exposed to progressively challenging moving visual stimuli, including distortion patterns, busy street scenes, motorway driving videos, and chequerboard jiggle/wrap patterns. Training advanced from sitting to standing with dynamic movements as visual complexity increased. Baseline and task-specific balance exercises were incorporated into every session, with adequate rest periods provided when necessary.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Gaze Stabilization Exercises | Experimental | Purpose:
Enhance gaze stability, postural control, and confidence in functional activities.
Description:
Week 1: Sitting, VOR x1 horizontal, fixate on near target - start gaze stability.
Week 2: Sitting, VOR x1 vertical, near/far target - increase head speed. Week 3: Standing, VOR x1 horizontal, fixate on target - improve upright balance.
Week 4: Standing, VOR x1 with busy background - challenge visual-vestibular interaction.
Week 5: Standing, VOR x2 horizontal/vertical - advanced gaze stabilization. Week 6: Standing, VOR x2 with busy background - integrate dynamic visual input. Receives: Procedure: Gaze stabilization exercises |
| Optokinetic Training | Active comparator | Purpose:
Reduce visually induced dizziness, enhance balance, and improve confidence in daily activities.
Description:
Week 1: Horizontal stripes Week 2: Vertical motion Week 3: Real-world videos Week 4: Crowded/busy scenes Week 5: Moving environment + light movement Week 6: Provocative videos (spirals/crowded) Receives: Procedure: Optokinetic training |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Dizziness
It will be measured by using Dizziness Handicap Inventory.
Score Interpretation:
0-30: Slight or Mild Handicap 31-60: Moderate Handicap 61-100: Severe Handicap
Measured: 6 weeks
Postural Stability
It will be measured by using Dynamic Gait Index (DGI).
Interpretation:
≤19 = increased fall risk 20-24 = safe ambulation Higher scores = better gait performance and dynamic balance Lower scores = impaired gait and higher fall risk
Measured: 6 weeks
Balance Confidence
It will be measured by using Activities-specific Balance Confidence (ABC) Scale.
Interpretation:
<50% = low level of physical functioning and high fall risk 50-80% = moderate level of functioning80% = high level of functioning and confidence Higher scores = greater balance confidence Lower scores = fear of falling and reduced functional independence
Measured: 6 weeks
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted13 May 2026
- Study start18 Nov 2025
- Primary completion1 May 2026
- Study completion1 May 2026
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Other trials for NystagmusStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- More trials run by Foundation University IslamabadThe sponsor's other registered studies.
- What the trial phases meanHow a treatment moves from first tests in people to approval.
More details
For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.
Study design
- Study type
- Interventional
- Phase
- Phase N/A
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Model description
- Gaze stabilization exercises (GSE): GSE improve the vestibulo-ocular reflex (VOR) by requiring patients to maintain visual focus on a target during active head movements. Optokinetic Training: Optokinetic stimulation (OKS) uses moving visual patterns to reduce visual dependency and improve the integration of vestibular and proprioceptive inputs for better postural control.
- Masking
- None (open label)
- Enrolment
- 32 participants (actual)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Foundation University Islamabad
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Sponsor
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07583901
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- FUI/FUCP/CTR/Neuro1/AqsaKhalil
- Status last verified
- Jul 2026
- First submitted
- 7 May 2026
- Last updated
- 7 Jul 2026
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 7 Jul 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Effects of Gaze Stabilization Exercises and Optokinetic Training in Peripheral Vestibular Disorders
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07583901
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- FUI/FUCP/CTR/Neuro1/AqsaKhalil
- Conditions
- Nystagmus, Optokinetic Nystagmus
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Completed
- Enrolment
- 32 participants (actual)
- Lead sponsor
- Foundation University IslamabadUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 18 Nov 2025 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 1 May 2026 (actual)
- Study completion
- 1 May 2026 (actual)
- First posted
- 13 May 2026 (actual)
- Results
- Not posted in the source record
Clinical summary
The research question as the sponsor registered it. This describes what the study plans to test, not what it found.
This study compares the effectiveness of Gaze Stabilization Exercises and Optokinetic Training in improving dizziness, balance, and confidence in individuals with peripheral vestibular disorders.
Detailed description
Peripheral vestibular disorders (PVD) commonly cause dizziness, postural instability, and decreased balance confidence, which increase the risk of falls and limit participation in daily activities. Vestibular rehabilitation is widely used to manage these symptoms. Among rehabilitation approaches, Gaze Stabilization Exercises (GSE) aim to improve vestibulo-ocular reflex function, while Optokinetic Training (OKT) promotes symptom habituation through visual motion stimulation. However, the comparative effectiveness of these two interventions remains unclear.
This study aims to compare the effects of GSE and OKT on dizziness severity, postural stability, and balance confidence in individuals with peripheral vestibular disorders. Participants will undergo intervention sessions three times per week for six weeks. Outcome measures will be assessed at baseline, mid-intervention (week 3), and post-intervention (week 6).
Primary and secondary outcomes will include the Dizziness Handicap Inventory (DHI), Dynamic Gait Index (DGI), and the Activities-specific Balance Confidence (ABC) Scale. Data will be analyzed using SPSS statistical software. It is hypothesized that both interventions will improve dizziness, balance, and confidence, though differences in effectiveness may exist between the two approaches.
The findings of this study are expected to contribute to evidence-based vestibular rehabilitation by identifying effective intervention strategies. The results may help clinicians design personalized rehabilitation programs aimed at reducing fall risk, improving functional mobility, and enhancing quality of life in individuals with peripheral vestibular disorders.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- None (open label)
- Number of arms
- 2
- Model description
- Gaze stabilization exercises (GSE): GSE improve the vestibulo-ocular reflex (VOR) by requiring patients to maintain visual focus on a target during active head movements. Optokinetic Training: Optokinetic stimulation (OKS) uses moving visual patterns to reduce visual dependency and improve the integration of vestibular and proprioceptive inputs for better postural control.
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Gaze Stabilization Exercises | Experimental | Procedure: Gaze stabilization exercisesPurpose: Enhance gaze stability, postural control, and confidence in functional activities. Description: Week 1: Sitting, VOR x1 horizontal, fixate on near target - start gaze stability. Week 2: Sitting, VOR x1 vertical, near/far target - increase head speed. Week 3: Standing, VOR x1 horizontal, fixate on target - improve upright balance. Week 4: Standing, VOR x1 with busy background - challenge visual-vestibular interaction. Week 5: Standing, VOR x2 horizontal/vertical - advanced gaze stabilization. Week 6: Standing, VOR x2 with busy background - integrate dynamic visual input. |
| Optokinetic Training | Active comparator | Procedure: Optokinetic trainingPurpose: Reduce visually induced dizziness, enhance balance, and improve confidence in daily activities. Description: Week 1: Horizontal stripes Week 2: Vertical motion Week 3: Real-world videos Week 4: Crowded/busy scenes Week 5: Moving environment + light movement Week 6: Provocative videos (spirals/crowded) |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 35 to 55 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Not accepted
- Age groups
- Adult
Key inclusion criteria (5 listed)
- Male and female patients aged 35-55 years
- Complaining of dizziness for at least three months
- Reporting at least one dizziness episode per month
- Medical diagnosis of chronic peripheral vestibular disease
- Willingness to participate and provide informed consent
Key exclusion criteria (7 listed)
- Medical history or signs of central nervous system disorders and/or psychiatric disorders
- Uncontrolled hypertension and diabetes
- Incapacity to understand and follow simple verbal commands
- Inability to independently remain in standing position
- Severe visual impairment or visual impairment not compensated by corrective lenses
Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening; this overview does not establish that a patient qualifies. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Interventions
| Intervention | Type | Arms |
|---|---|---|
| Gaze stabilization exercisesThe control group received gaze stabilization exercises for 6 weeks, comprising 18 supervised sessions conducted three times weekly. Training included VOR x1 and VOR x2 exercises in horizontal and vertical planes using near and far visual targets. Exercises progressed from sitting to standing positions and from simple to visually busy backgrounds. Each session also included balance training activities such as weight shifts, tandem stance, pivot turns, and walking with head movements, with rest periods provided as needed. | Procedure or surgery | Gaze Stabilization Exercises |
| Optokinetic trainingThe experimental group underwent optokinetic training for 6 weeks with 18 supervised sessions conducted three times weekly. Participants were exposed to progressively challenging moving visual stimuli, including distortion patterns, busy street scenes, motorway driving videos, and chequerboard jiggle/wrap patterns. Training advanced from sitting to standing with dynamic movements as visual complexity increased. Baseline and task-specific balance exercises were incorporated into every session, with adequate rest periods provided when necessary. | Procedure or surgery | Optokinetic Training |
Primary outcome
Dizziness
Time frame: 6 weeks
It will be measured by using Dizziness Handicap Inventory. Score Interpretation: 0-30: Slight or Mild Handicap 31-60: Moderate Handicap 61-100: Severe Handicap
Postural Stability
Time frame: 6 weeks
It will be measured by using Dynamic Gait Index (DGI). Interpretation: ≤19 = increased fall risk 20-24 = safe ambulation Higher scores = better gait performance and dynamic balance Lower scores = impaired gait and higher fall risk
Balance Confidence
Time frame: 6 weeks
It will be measured by using Activities-specific Balance Confidence (ABC) Scale. Interpretation: <50% = low level of physical functioning and high fall risk 50-80% = moderate level of functioning80% = high level of functioning and confidence Higher scores = greater balance confidence Lower scores = fear of falling and reduced functional independence
Results and safety
The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 7 Jul 2026.
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Referral and contact
AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals. Contact the study team or a site listed below; they decide who can take part. This study is not recruiting at the moment.
The record lists no contact. Use the official record to reach the sponsor.
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing Gaze stabilization exercises and Optokinetic training in people with Nystagmus and Optokinetic Nystagmus, run by Foundation University Islamabad at 1 site in Pakistan.
The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.
Who may be eligible to take part?
The sponsor lists 5 inclusion and 7 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.
Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?
The record says: finished, as of the sponsor's last update on 7 Jul 2026. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.
Where is the study taking place?
The record lists 1 site in Pakistan. Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.
What are the possible benefits and risks?
They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.
Are results available for this study?
The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
The record lists no contact. The official record names the sponsor, who can be asked directly. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
Dizziness (time frame: 6 weeks). The study lists 3 primary outcomes in all. It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?
No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.
How often is this information updated?
AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 7 Jul 2026.