Simulator training to improve driving after stroke
Driving Simulator Training to Improve Driving Performance in Veteran Stroke Patients
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 |
|---|---|
| Enrollment | 100 (estimated) |
| Ages | 40 Years to 80 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | VA Office of Research and Development Federal |
| Locations | 1 site (Sacramento, California) |
| Trial ID | NCT06672107 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
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.
Who should consider this trial
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.
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.
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 performed: 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.
Eligibility criteria
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 this trial is running
Sacramento, California
- 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
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.