3D isometric movement training for stroke recovery

Error-enhanced Learning & Recovery in 2 & 3 Dimensions

EARLY_PHASE1 · Shirley Ryan AbilityLab · NCT06656754

This study tests if a new 3D movement training using virtual reality can help stroke survivors improve their movement skills and recover better.

Quick facts

PhaseEARLY_PHASE1
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment56 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorShirley Ryan AbilityLab (other)
Locations1 site (Chicago, Illinois)
Trial IDNCT06656754 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study investigates the effects of 3D isometric movement training on both healthy individuals and stroke survivors with impaired movement. Participants will engage in a virtual reality reaching task using a robotic arm, where they will receive visual feedback through a virtual avatar. The study aims to compare the accuracy of movements under unconstrained and constrained conditions to understand how sensory alterations affect performance in a three-dimensional environment. By analyzing the differences in movement errors, researchers hope to gain insights into improving rehabilitation techniques for stroke patients.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include healthy adults aged 18 and older with no history of stroke.

Not a fit: Patients with severe medical problems affecting movement or those with visual deficits may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could enhance rehabilitation strategies for stroke survivors, potentially improving their movement recovery.

How similar studies have performed: While similar studies have explored isometric training, this specific approach in a 3D environment is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion criteria, neurotypical participants

* 18 years old

No history of stroke

Ability to provide informed consent .

Exclusion criteria, neurotypical participants

Severe medical problems (including cardiovascular, orthopedic, or neurological)

Medical problems affecting movement, range of motion, strength, or coordination of the upper extremities.

Visual deficits that would influence the ability to perform the experiment . This will be assessed using the following assessments:

1. Visual field deficits will be assessed using the BIVABA acuity testing. (cutoff score \> 20/100)
2. Depth perception deficits will be assessed using the Stereofly test (require at least an angle of stereopsis at 16 inches is 3,552 seconds of arc).

   4\) Blood pressure above 140 systolic and/or 90 diastolic mmHG

   5\) Blood oxygen reading of less than 92% by finger pulse oximeter testing.

   Inclusion Criteria , Stroke participants
   * 18 years old

   Chronic stroke (8+ months post)

   Available medical records and radiographic information about lesion locations

   Hemiparesis

   Primary motor cortex involvement

   Some degree of both shoulder and elbow movement capability

   Exclusion Criteria , Stroke participants

   Bilateral paresis

   Aphasia, cognitive impairment, or affective dysfunction that would influence the ability to perform the experiment, This will be assessed using the Mini Mental State Examination31, with cut-off scores (adjusted for education level) as follows:

   Participants whose education are 7th grade or lower, a score 22 or lower

   Participants whose education attainment level is 8th grade or some high school (but not a graduate), a score of 24 or lower

   Participants whose education attainment level is high school graduate, a score of 25 or lower

   Participants whose education attainment level is some college or higher, a score 26 or lower

   Visual deficits, and hemispatial neglect that would prevent the participants from seeing the targets. A vision test will be done if the participant indicates in their screen that their stroke has affected their vision. This will be tested using the following assessments:

   Visual field loss will be assessed using the BIVABA acuity test10. (cutoff score \> 20/100)

   Visual Extinction and Inattention using Star Cancellation Test9. (cutoff score of \<44)

   Depth perception deficits will be assessed using the Stereofly test (require at least an angle of stereopsis at 16 inches is 3,552 seconds of arc).

   Modified Ashworth score of 4 at shoulder or elbow joints.

   Rated below 15 on the FMUE scale

   Inability to provide an informed consent

   severe current medical problems

   Severe sensory deficit in the affected limb (Cannot be absent in any part of affected UE)

   diffuse/multiple lesion sites or multiple stroke events

   Inability to attain and maintain testing positions

   Botox or other botulinum toxin injection to the affected upper extremity within the previous 4 months

   Concurrent participation in upper extremity rehabilitation either as part of a research intervention protocol or a prescribed therapy

   Neurological, neuromuscular, or orthopedic diseases (i.e. injuries to your affected arm or hand)

   Other neurological issues (Parkinson's, CP)

   Blood Pressure above 140 systolic and/or 90 diastolic mmHg

   Blood oxygen reading of less than 92% on finger pulse oximetry testing.

Where this trial is running

Chicago, Illinois

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Stroke

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.