Investigating brain activation in stroke patients using virtual reality tasks

Brain Activation Pattern Caused by Immersive Virtual Reality Pathfinding Task in Stroke Patients: a Functional Near-infrared Spectroscopy Study

First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University · NCT06703320

This study is testing how virtual reality tasks can help us understand brain activity in stroke patients compared to healthy people, to see if it can aid in their cognitive recovery.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment60 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 80 Years
SexAll
SponsorFirst Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University (other)
Locations1 site (Chongqing, Chongqing Municipality)
Trial IDNCT06703320 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study aims to explore brain activation patterns in stroke patients through an immersive virtual reality pathfinding task, utilizing functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) for evaluation. Both stroke patients and healthy subjects aged 18-80 will participate, with cognitive function assessed using various standardized tests. The study will compare brain activation and connectivity between the two groups to better understand cognitive decline in stroke patients. This initial screening and preliminary intervention will provide insights into the cognitive rehabilitation potential of virtual reality.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include stroke patients aged 18-80 who can complete cognitive tasks and follow instructions.

Not a fit: Patients with serious mental illnesses or those unable to tolerate the test due to organic diseases may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could enhance cognitive rehabilitation strategies for stroke patients.

How similar studies have performed: While the use of virtual reality in cognitive rehabilitation is gaining interest, this specific approach using fNIRS in stroke patients is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

Stroke patients:

1. Diagnosis of stroke confirmed by neuroimaging (CT or MRI)
2. 18-80 years old
3. Able to complete the cognitive task
4. Able to follow instructions to complete the trial
5. Patients who signed an informed consent form.

Healthy Subjects:

1. No abnormalities on cranial
2. 18-80 years old
3. Able to complete cognitive task
4. Able to follow instructions to complete the trial
5. not taking medications.
6. Subjects who signed an informed consent form.

Exclusion Criteria:

Stroke patients:

1. Inability to tolerate the test due to organic diseases
2. Serious mental illness that prevents them from cooperating with or tolerating the trial
3. Pregnant or lactating women
4. Had metal implants, a history of other neurological disorders, acute cardiopulmonary dysfunction.

Healthy Subjects:

1. Inability to tolerate the test due to organic diseases
2. Serious mental illness that prevents them from cooperating with or tolerating the trial.
3. Pregnant or lactating women
4. Had metal implants, a history of other neurological disorders, acute cardiopulmonary dysfunction

Where this trial is running

Chongqing, Chongqing Municipality

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, Cognitive Decline, stroke, virtual reality, cognitive impairment, fNIRS

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.