Using gamified exercises to manage shoulder pain in stroke patients
Measuring Biomarkers for Health in Community Environments: eMBraCE Activity Program; Short Term Effect of Using Non-immersive Gamified Exercises on Chronic Shoulder Pain in People With Chronic Stroke.
This study is testing if fun video exercises can help stroke patients reduce shoulder pain and improve how well they can use their arms.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Enrollment | 30 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Exeter Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Exeter, Devon) |
| Trial ID | NCT06863649 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study evaluates the short-term effects of non-immersive gamified exercises on shoulder pain and upper limb function in individuals who have experienced a stroke. By employing an observational design, the research will assess pain levels, range of motion, and muscle activity during various activities. Participants will engage in video-based exercises designed to enhance motivation and rehabilitation efficacy, with assessments including pain intensity measured by the VAS scale and muscle activity patterns using advanced techniques like EMG and FNIRS.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 and older who have experienced a stroke and have mild to moderate shoulder pain, with some ability to use their paretic arm.
Not a fit: Patients with severe co-morbidities or conditions that compromise their ability to participate safely in the study will not benefit.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly improve pain management and rehabilitation outcomes for stroke patients experiencing shoulder pain.
How similar studies have performed: While gamification in rehabilitation is a growing field, this specific approach to managing shoulder pain in stroke patients is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Experiencing motor difficulties in using the paretic arm, with some use of hand/arm as determined by therapist * Not participating any other intervention studies * Male/female ≥18 years old * Had a stroke requiring with any degree of arm mobility. * Capacity to consent to participate * Able to communicate adequately in English with the research team * Mild or moderate pain in shoulder or upper limb (below 6 and more than 2on the VAS scale). * Able to walk without any assistant at least for ten meters Exclusion Criteria: * Any medical condition compromising the safety or the ability to take part to the study as determined by the therapist (such as insufficient vision or hearing, upper limb condition not linked to stroke, uncontrolled blood pressure, uncontrolled diabetes, co-morbidity) * History of more than one epileptic seizures since stroke onset or uncontrolled epileptic seizure * Unable to follow two stage command * Moderate to severe hemi-spatial neglect compromising the ability to take part to the study, as determined by rehab team * Severe spasticity (more than 2 on the modified Ashworth scale) * Any device preventing use of EMG, FNIRS i.e. DBS or pacemaker
Where this trial is running
Exeter, Devon
- Vsimulator — Exeter, Devon, United Kingdom (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Helen Dawes — University of Exeter
- Study coordinator: Shaghayegh Nayebi
- Email: sn506@exeter.ac.uk
- Phone: +447508489796
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.