Immersive virtual reality to help children aged 6–13 improve handwriting
Official title: Effects of the Use of an Immersive Virtual Reality Device on Handwriting in Children Aged 6 to 13 With Handwriting Difficulties : a Randomized Multiple Baseline Single-case Experimental Design (SCED)
Run by Fondation Ildys · NCT07040722 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project will try an immersive virtual reality program to help children 6 to 13 years old with handwriting difficulties improve the motor, postural, and visual skills needed for writing.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 6 Years to 13 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 12 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Fondation Ildys Academic / other |
| Locations | 5 sites (Pont-de-l'Arche, Eure and 4 other locations) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | October 1, 2025 |
| Main results expected | September 1, 2027 |
| Study ends | September 1, 2027 |
| Registry record updated | December 24, 2025 |
| Trial ID | NCT07040722 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are children aged 6–13 with handwriting difficulties (BHK score ≥1 SD or functional handwriting problems) who are receiving or will receive rehabilitation and can understand instructions and complete assessments.
✕Probably not a fit
Children with contraindications to HMD use (epilepsy, severe visual impairment, facial injury) or whose handwriting problems are primarily due to non-motor cognitive or language disorders may not benefit from this VR approach.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This interventional study uses an immersive head-mounted display to deliver motivating, game-like training aimed at the motor, postural and visual attention skills that support handwriting. It uses a single-case experimental design (SCED) with an initial set of 3 children and three replications of 3 children each, for a total of 12 participants across four clinical settings, and compares baseline measurements with the VR intervention period. Handwriting quality and related functions (for example using the BHK and repeated performance measures of upper-limb and postural control) will be tracked to detect change within each child. Children with contraindications to VR (epilepsy, severe visual impairment, facial injury) are excluded and sessions take place at participating rehabilitation centers in France.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the intervention could speed up handwriting learning, make practice more engaging, and improve everyday writing ability for affected children.
How similar studies have gone: Previous pediatric VR studies have shown benefits for upper-limb function and postural control, but using immersive VR specifically to improve handwriting is relatively novel and has limited prior evidence.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Age : 6-13 years * BHK: degradation score ≥ 1 standard deviation. The BHK will be administered at the time of the inclusion visit (V1) and/or child with writing difficulties in in daily activities. * Children benefiting or to benefit from rehabilitation care to improve handwriting skills. * Be able to understand instructions and complete all assessments. Exclusion Criteria: * Contraindications to using a virtual reality HMD * Severe visual impairment * Facial injury * Epilepsy * Lack of parental and/or child consent
Where it's running
-
Cabinet d'ergothérapie Scol'Ergo
Pont-de-l'Arche, Eure, France Recruiting -
Cabinet Ker ergo
Brest, Finistère, France Recruiting -
Fondation ILDYS
Brest, Finistère, France Recruiting -
Cabinet d'ergothérapie - Maison des Korrigans
Lesneven, Finistère, France Recruiting -
Fondation ILDYS
Brest, France, France Not yet recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Jéromine HERVO, Coordinator Investigator — Fondation Ildys
- Study coordinator: Manon LE GOFF
- Email: manon.legoff@ildys.org
- Phone: 0298028308
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
-
Perceptions and Intentions Around a Change in CF Treatment
This study asks adults with cystic fibrosis currently on ETI whether they would switch to VTD if their doctor offered it and what factors influence that decision.
-
Pharmacokinetics of Antibiotics in CF Patients on ETI
This study tests how antibiotics behave in the body of people with cystic fibrosis who are taking the ETI modulator therapy and are being treated for a pulmonary infection.
-
Breizh Fabribus mobile workshop for on-site personalized assistive devices
This project tests whether on-site 3D‑printed and laser‑cut devices made by the Breizh Fabribus mobile workshop help people with disabilities in Finistère perform targeted daily activities better within three months.
-
Using Kaligo+ to help children aged 6 to 11 with writing difficulties learn to write
This study is testing a new tool called Kaligo+ to see if it can help children aged 6 to 11 who have trouble writing improve their handwriting skills.
How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.