Driving Impaired, Parkinson Disease
Conditions
Keywords
In-vehicle technologies, Parkinson's disease, Driving performance
Brief summary
Parkinson's disease (PD) impacts an individual's fitness to drive in a number of ways that increase the crash risk in this population. Current vehicle automation technologies are available, that although designed for the general public, may help drivers with PD stay on the roads longer and safer than currently possible. Using a driving simulator (a safe and cost-effective alternative with no impact on licensing for participants), this study will investigate the feasibility and preliminary efficacy of utilizing in-vehicle technology (i.e., a simulated lane change assistance system) to address critical driving errors in individuals with mild to moderate Parkinson's disease.
Interventions
DEVICELane change assistance system
This study will investigate the feasibility and preliminary efficacy of a 6-session lane change ADAS-intervention on the simulated driving performance of individuals with mild to moderate PD. We anticipate that the use of lane change assist technology will decrease the number of driving errors in individuals with PD. As this is a feasibility study, we will evaluate: -recruitment capability and sample characteristics - data collection methods, procedures, and outcome measures - acceptability and suitability of the lane change assist technology intervention - preliminary efficacy The outcomes of this study will inform the design of a larger study, should such large-scale study be warranted.
BEHAVIORALActive Control
Participants will practice their driving on a driving simulator with feedback form a trained interventionist.
Sponsors
Western University, Canada
Study design
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
PARALLEL
Primary purpose
DEVICE_FEASIBILITY
Masking
SINGLE (Outcomes Assessor)
Masking description
Outcomes assessor will be masked regarding the pre or post-test status of the assessment.
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
21 Years to No maximum
Healthy volunteers
No
Inclusion criteria
* Participants must be 21 years of age or older (as a feasibility study, this study will provide the opportunity to participate to those diagnosed with early onset PD) * Have been diagnosed with Parkinson's disease by a neurologist or movement disorder specialist * Currently hold a valid G driver's license * Meet provincial visual acuity (20/50 binocular) and visual field (120 continuous along the horizontal meridian with both eyes examined together) requirements for driving * Be proficient in English reading and speaking (self-reported).
Exclusion criteria
* Have any other neurological or psychiatric conditions that would interfere with full participation in the study * Be taking psychotropic medication(s) that affect their mental and/or physical functioning
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Change in number of lane maintenance errors from baseline to post-test 1(4 weeks) and post-test 2 (6 weeks) | Baseline, 4 weeks, and 6 weeks | Refers to the lateral position of the vehicle in the lane. |
| Change in number of visual scanning errors from baseline to post-test 1(4 weeks) and post-test 2 (6 weeks) | Baseline, 4 weeks, and 6 weeks | Visual scanning is defined as eye movement and turning of the neck and head (e.g. glances, look sideways at an intersection, look at mirrors) to detect oncoming objects |
| Change in number of signalling errors from baseline to post-test 1(4 weeks) and post-test 2 (6 weeks) | Baseline, 4 weeks, and 6 weeks | Refers to the proper use of turning signals during lane changes |
Countries
Canada
Outcome results
None listed