Clinical Research Directory

RePer-AGE: Reorganization of Visuo-cognitive Functions Based on Peripheral Vision With Aging

The RePer-AGE study investigates how central and peripheral vision contribute to visual recognition and how these mechanisms change with normal aging. The study is based on the hypothesis that peripheral vision provides rapid global information that supports visual recognition through predictive mechanisms. Healthy young adults (18-30 years) and older adults (60-85 years) will undergo visual psychophysical testing, ophthalmological examinations, and, for a subset of participants, functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). The results are expected to improve our understanding of age-related changes in visuo-cognitive functions and provide reference data for future studies on age-related visual disorders.

Structured Task-Focused Occupational Therapy in the School Environment to Support Academic Performance: Fine Motor and Visual-Motor Skills

This randomized controlled trial will evaluate the effects of a structured, task-focused occupational therapy program delivered in the school environment on handwriting performance, fine motor skills, visual-motor integration, and academic performance in primary school children. Second- and third-grade students identified as being at risk for handwriting and manual dexterity difficulties will be randomly assigned to an intervention group or a control group. The intervention group will receive a 10-week school-based occupational therapy program consisting of two 30-minute sessions per week, for a total of 20 sessions. The control group will continue routine classroom activities without therapist-led occupational therapy. Handwriting, manual dexterity, visual-motor integration, visual perception, and motor coordination will be assessed at baseline and after the intervention. Academic grades will also be recorded, and individualized goal attainment will be evaluated in the intervention group.

Restructuring the Alpha-Gamma Code in Aging Vision

Tests whether age-related visual deficits arise from disrupted alpha-gamma coupling in visual cortex (V1) and MT. Uses fMRI, source-resolved HD-EEG, and personalized complex-waveform HD-tACS to (1) quantify aging effects on phase-amplitude coupling, (2) drive PAC into a preferred "gamma-at-alpha-troughs" state, and (3) bidirectionally change perception by aligning gamma to alpha troughs vs peaks. Two five-day, double-blind, sham-controlled studies (n=120 each) target contrast sensitivity (V1) and 3D shape-from-motion (MT), aiming for mechanistic insight and remediation in older adults with implications for ADRD.

Visual Perception Difficulties After Stroke

The goal of this observational study is to learn how well the Oxford Visual Perception Screening (OxVPS) tool can identify stroke survivors with visual perception difficulties. The main aim is to determine the accuracy and utility of the OxVPS compared to the current gold standard assessment in stroke survivors. In other words, how well can the Oxford Visual Perception Screening tool (OxVPS) identify stroke patients with visual perception problems? Participants will completed the OxVPS and the current gold standards visual perception screening tool.