Low-cost virtual reality motor rehabilitation for stroke in hospital and at home
Official title: Acute Stroke Rehabilitation Using a Low-cost Virtual Reality Platform: a Pilot Study.
Run by Nova Scotia Health Authority · NCT06864741 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 40 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Nova Scotia Health Authority Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Kentville, Nova Scotia) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | October 15, 2025 |
| Main results expected | June 2027 |
| Study ends | June 2027 |
| Registry record updated | March 18, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT06864741 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a 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.
✕Probably 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.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
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.
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 gone: 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.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion 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 it's running
-
Valley Regional Hospital
Kentville, Nova Scotia, Canada Recruiting
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
-
Effectiveness of a new neurorehabilitation technology for stroke recovery
This study is testing a new rehabilitation technology that uses robots and virtual reality to see if it can help stroke patients recover better than regular therapy.
-
Music therapy after stroke
This trial tests whether adding music therapy to standard care helps stroke patients sleep better and feel less anxious or depressed while in the hospital.
-
Endovascular therapy plus standard care vs standard care alone for distal and medium vessel strokes
In people with acute ischemic stroke due to distal or medium vessel blockages, this study tests whether adding endovascular treatment to the usual medical care helps improve outcomes compared with medical care alone.
-
Inter-Limb Transfer after Acute Stroke
This study tests whether practicing motor skills with the affected arm helps improve movement in the other arm after an acute stroke.
-
Immersive Virtual Reality in Upper-Limb Rehabilitation After Stroke
This trial tests whether adding immersive virtual reality to standard upper-limb rehabilitation helps stroke patients recover more function and quality of life.
-
Anakinra After Endovascular Therapy for Ischemic Stroke
This trial tests whether giving two doses of Anakinra after successful endovascular treatment can reduce brain damage and improve outcomes in adults with acute ischemic stroke.
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.