Simulator training to improve driving after stroke
Official title: Driving Simulator Training to Improve Driving Performance in Veteran Stroke Patients
Run by VA Office of Research and Development · NCT06672107 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project will test whether active, skills-focused driving-simulator training helps Veteran stroke survivors drive better than extra time getting familiar with the simulator.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Ages | 40 Years to 80 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 100 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | VA Office of Research and Development Federal |
| Locations | 1 site (Sacramento, California) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | November 17, 2025 |
| Main results expected | June 30, 2029 |
| Study ends | September 30, 2029 |
| Registry record updated | April 24, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT06672107 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are U.S. Veterans aged 40–80 who are at least 3 months post unilateral stroke, were right-hand dominant before their stroke, and have prior driving experience or a U.S. driver's license.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with other neurologic illnesses (like dementia, TBI, Parkinson's), severe psychiatric disorders, recent substance dependence, non-Veterans, or those with severe physical limitations preventing simulator use 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
One hundred U.S. Veterans who had a unilateral stroke will complete both an active driver training program and a time-matched control (familiarization) program in a fully interactive driving simulator, with the order randomized. Each intervention consists of weekly sessions for three consecutive weeks and includes pre- and post-intervention driving assessments, and a 6-month follow-up to measure lasting effects. The active training provides targeted practice and feedback on four specific driving skills (speed management, collision avoidance, lane positioning, and dashboard attention), while the control condition provides only extra simulator familiarization. The main comparison is driving performance after the active training versus after the control condition.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the training could improve on-road driving performance and safety for some stroke survivors, potentially prolonging independent driving.
How similar studies have gone: Previous small studies of simulator-based driver training in brain injury and stroke populations have shown some improvements in driving-related skills, but results are mixed and larger confirmatory trials are limited.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * U.S. Veterans * History of a unilateral stroke (at least 3 months post-onset) * Ages 40-80 * pre-morbidly right hand dominant * prior driving experience/U.S. driver's license Exclusion Criteria: * History of other neurologic illness (e.g., TBI, dementia, epilepsy, Parkinson's, etc.) * History of severe psychiatric illness (e.g., schizophrenia or other psychotic disorders) * Recent substance abuse/dependence disorder (\< 1 year) * Non-Veteran status
Where it's running
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VA Northern California Health Care System, Mather, CA
Sacramento, California, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Krista Schendel Parker, PhD BA — VA Northern California Health Care System, Mather, CA
- Study coordinator: Krista S Parker, PhD BA
- Email: Krista.Parker@va.gov
- Phone: (925) 372-2513
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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.