Visual recovery after stroke using focused ultrasound and immersive VR
Official title: Visual Restoration using Focused Ultrasound Stimulation and Immersive Virtual Reality after Stroke
Funded at Duke University · NIH-11454379 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A small, patient-friendly study tests whether a gentle, targeted ultrasound therapy plus immersive virtual reality can help people with field-of-view loss after stroke regain visual function.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R03 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Duke University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Durham, United States) |
| Project start | September 8, 2026 |
| Project end | September 7, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $323,000 |
| NIH project number | 1R03HD119148-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11454379 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults with a history of stroke 6–24 months ago and measurable visual field deficits.
✕Less likely to help
Some participants may not experience visual improvement and could have unrelated health risks that exclude participation.
What this research studies
This feasibility study will enroll adults who had a stroke 6 to 24 months ago and have visual field deficits. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either active focused ultrasound stimulation plus immersive virtual reality or a sham treatment, across 6 sessions over two weeks. Each session includes 20 minutes of concurrent ultrasound and VR, followed by 10 minutes of VR alone, guided by a brain-imaging method to tailor treatment. The trial is designed to see if this non-invasive approach can promote visual neuroplasticity and improve daily living for stroke survivors.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, participants may experience improvements in visual function that could enhance daily activities and independence.
How similar studies have gone: This area is exploratory; prior work suggests potential for non-invasive stimulation to aid recovery but this exact combination is novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Duke University
Durham, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Shekhar, Shashank — Duke University
- Study coordinator: Shekhar, Shashank
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.