Intensive virtual-reality balance and walking therapy for people recovering from a recent stroke
Official title: The Effects of Intensive Virtual Reality-Based Balance and Gait Training on Activity Performance and Quality of Life in Individuals With Subacute Stroke
Run by Ankara Yildirim Beyazıt University · NCT07431151 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This trial will see if adding intensive virtual-reality balance and walking training to usual physiotherapy helps people within six months after a stroke improve daily activities, balance confidence, and quality of life.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 48 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Ankara Yildirim Beyazıt University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Ankara, Çankaya) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | February 1, 2026 |
| Main results expected | December 31, 2026 |
| Study ends | December 31, 2026 |
| Registry record updated | March 27, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07431151 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are adults (≥18) with hemiplegia in the subacute period after stroke, with a MoCA score above 10, who can attend in-person therapy sessions.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with severe cognitive impairment (MoCA ≤10), those already receiving other balance- or gait-specific rehabilitation, those who cannot attend the required sessions, or those well beyond the subacute period may not receive benefit.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This randomized controlled trial will enroll adults with hemiplegia in the subacute phase after stroke and randomly assign them to conventional physiotherapy alone or conventional physiotherapy plus intensive virtual reality–based balance and gait training using augmented reality/C‑Mill systems. Training is delivered in-person at Ankara Bilkent City Hospital and emphasizes task-specific, repetitive exercises with real-time multisensory feedback. Primary outcomes include activity performance, balance confidence, functional mobility, and stroke-specific quality of life measured over the intervention period. The protocol targets the early post-stroke window when intensive, feedback-driven practice may enhance neuroplastic recovery.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, adding intensive VR training could speed recovery of walking and balance, increase independence, and improve quality of life for people early after stroke.
How similar studies have gone: Previous VR-based gait and balance trials have shown encouraging improvements in mobility and postural control, but intensive protocols focused specifically on the subacute period remain less well tested.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria * Diagnosis of hemiplegia (ICD-10 code G81) * Age ≥ 18 years * Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) score \> 10 Exclusion Criteria * Failure to attend three consecutive treatment sessions during the study period * Receiving additional balance- or gait-specific rehabilitation interventions (e.g., robot-assisted gait training) during the study period
Where it's running
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Ankara Bilkent City Hospital
Ankara, Çankaya, Turkey (Türkiye) Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Murat Akıncı
- Email: muratakinci.fzt@gmail.com
- Phone: +905529356978
Similar studies
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Remote Ischaemic Conditioning for Fatigue After Stroke 2
Aat least 12 weeks after stroke, adults with post-stroke fatigue will try a simple hand-arm cuff treatment at home to see if it helps reduce fatigue.
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In adults who recently had a stroke, the study tests whether adding computerized cognitive exercises to balance training improves balance and other recovery outcomes.
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.