Low-cost virtual reality motor rehabilitation for stroke in hospital and at home

Acute Stroke Rehabilitation Using a Low-cost Virtual Reality Platform: a Pilot Study.

This trial will test whether a low-cost virtual reality motor therapy can help adults with moderate-to-severe upper-limb weakness after a first ischemic stroke recover movement both during hospital care and at home.

Quick facts

• Phase: NA
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 40 (estimated)
• Ages: 18 Years and up
• Sex: All
• Sponsor: Nova Scotia Health Authority (other)
• Locations: 1 site (Kentville, Nova Scotia)
• Trial ID: NCT06864741 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

Researchers will compare patients who receive a gamified, low-cost virtual reality (VR) motor rehabilitation program to those receiving standard care, with treatment delivered in both the inpatient and outpatient/home settings. Eligible adults have a first-time middle cerebral artery ischemic stroke with moderate-to-severe upper-limb impairment (Fugl-Meyer UE score 6–40). Participants will complete standardized motor function and quality-of-life assessments at multiple time points and, if randomized to VR, will take part in guided therapy sessions using interactive VR tasks. The trial examines both clinical motor outcomes and feasibility/acceptability of using VR in hospital and home environments.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Adults (18+) with a first-time ischemic middle cerebral artery stroke, moderate-to-severe upper-limb motor deficit (Fugl-Meyer UE 6–40), able to consent or have authorized consent, and meeting the study's inpatient or outpatient timing and location windows.

Not a fit: Patients with brainstem, cerebellar, or bilateral stroke lesions, a secondary neurological condition, or other impairments that prevent participation in VR motor tasks are unlikely to benefit from this protocol.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, the VR intervention could speed upper-limb motor recovery and expand access to effective, lower-cost rehabilitation in hospital and at home.

How similar studies have performed: Previous VR motor-rehabilitation studies for stroke have shown promising but mixed improvements in arm function, so this trial builds on encouraging but not definitive evidence.

Eligibility criteria

Inclusion Criteria:

* clinical diagnosis of first-time ischemic stroke involving the middle cerebral artery, confirmed by CT or MRI;
* score between 6 and 40 on Fugl-Meyer Assessment's Upper Limb Extremity Subscore (FM - UE), indicating moderate to severe motor deficit;
* ability and willingness to provide consent (score of 18 or more on the Montreal Cognitive Assessment) or assent (for scores lower than 18 on MoCA with consent provided by an authorized third party with the necessary legal authority to consent on behalf of patient)
* INPATIENT ARM: less than 5 weeks since stroke onset with admission to Valley Regional Hospital in Kentville, NS, Canada
* OUTPATIENT ARM: less than 3 months since stroke onset with discharge to home setting located within 1 hour drive of Valley Regional Hospital in Kentville, NS, Canada

Exclusion Criteria:

* brainstem, cerebellar or bilateral stroke lesion
* a secondary neurological condition (e.g., Parkinson's disease)
* musculoskeletal injuries interfering with task performance
* an uncorrected visual deficit due to stroke or other etiologies
* apraxia as identified by clinical assessment

Where this trial is running

Kentville, Nova Scotia

• Valley Regional Hospital — Kentville, Nova Scotia, Canada (RECRUITING)

Conditions: Stroke Acute, stroke, rehabilitation, motor disorder, virtual reality