Using Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) as an Intervention Strategy for Drivers With Parkinson's Disease

Western University, Canada

Status: Completed

Conditions: Parkinson Disease; Driving Impaired

Treatments: Behavioral: Active Control; Device: Lane change assistance system

Study type: Interventional

Funder types: Other

Identifiers

NCT03195608

109272

Details and patient eligibility

About

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.

Enrollment: 22 patients

Sex: All

Ages: 21+ years old

Volunteers: No Healthy Volunteers

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

Trial design

Primary purpose: Device Feasibility

Allocation: Randomized

Interventional model: Parallel Assignment

Masking: Single Blind

---

22 participants in 2 patient groups

Intervention

Experimental group

Description:

Participants will complete a standardized battery of paper and pencil and computer tests. Following these tests, participants will complete a baseline simulator driving assessment without any form of assistive technology. We will employ a CDS-200 driving simulator (DriveSafety Inc., Salt Lake City, UT). A trained blinded evaluator will observe the recorded drive and score the drive. After the baseline assessment, participants will engage in 3 intervention sessions (lasting 30 minutes each). During these sessions, the lane change assistance system will be introduced and participants will be taught how to use it. After the 3 sessions, participants will participate in a post-test, similar to the baseline assessment but with a different route within the simulated world. They will drive this new route with the assistive technology. One to two weeks after the post-test, participants will be invited to participate in a follow-up assessment (battery of tests and simulator assessment).

Treatment:

Device: Lane change assistance system

Control

Active Comparator group

Description:

Participants will complete a standardized battery of paper and pencil and computer tests. Following these tests, participants will complete a baseline simulator driving assessment without any form of assistive technology. We will employ a CDS-200 driving simulator (DriveSafety Inc., Salt Lake City, UT). A trained blinded evaluator will observe the recorded drive and score the drive. After the baseline assessment, participants will engage in 3 intervention sessions (lasting 30 minutes each). During these sessions, participants will drive the scenario and receive feedback from a trained evaluator regarding their live performance. No lane change assistance system will be utilized. After the 3 sessions, participants will participate in a post-test, similar to the baseline assessment but with a different route within the simulated world.

Treatment:

Behavioral: Active Control