Upper extremity rehabilitation using virtual reality for chronic stroke patients

Effect of Upper Extremity Rehabilitation Using Fully-immersive Virtual Reality for Motor Recovery in Chronic Stroke Patients: A Prospective, Multicenter, Single-blind, Explorative, Randomized Crossover Trial

Not applicable Interventional Seoul National University Hospital · NCT05148052

This study is testing if virtual reality games can help people who have had a stroke improve their arm and shoulder movement better than regular therapy.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment36 (estimated)
Ages19 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorSeoul National University Hospital Academic / other
Locations4 sites (Incheon and 3 other locations)
Trial IDNCT05148052 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study investigates the effects of immersive virtual reality exergames on motor recovery of upper extremities in chronic stroke patients. It employs a crossover design to compare conventional occupational therapy with virtual reality-based exercises, focusing on enhancing movement in the shoulder and elbow. Thirty-six participants will receive both treatment modalities in a randomized order, with evaluations conducted before and after each treatment phase to assess outcomes.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include chronic stroke patients who have experienced their first stroke at least six months prior and have upper extremity dysfunction.

Not a fit: Patients with severe cognitive impairment, other causes of upper extremity dysfunction, or those with medical conditions preventing participation may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly improve motor recovery and functional abilities in chronic stroke patients.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promising results using virtual reality for rehabilitation, indicating potential success for this novel approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Chronic stroke patients who have passed 6 months or more without additional stroke after the first stroke
* Patients with upper extremity dysfunction due to stroke (ischemic, hemorrhagic)
* Patients who can move the upper extremity against gravity with a manual muscle test of grade 3 or higher in the affected shoulder and elbow, respectively
* Patients who can stably maintain a sitting position
* Patients who voluntarily agreed to participate in the study

Exclusion Criteria:

* Patients with moderate or severe cognitive impairment with a score of 18 or less on the Mini-Mental Status Examination (K-MMSE)
* Patients with other causes of upper extremity dysfunction, such as peripheral nerve damage, joint disease, etc.
* Patients with a history of severe vertigo or epilepsy
* Patients with medical reasons such as medical conditions that make it difficult to participate in research
* Patients who may be pregnant or who are pregnant or lactating

Where this trial is running

Incheon and 3 other locations

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.
Conditions StrokeVirtual realityUpper Extremity Paresis
Last reviewed 2026-06-09 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.