Using video games to help arm recovery after a stroke
Translating SMARTS 2: the Integration of Video Gaming Technology Into Traditional Rehabilitation
This study is testing if playing video games can help people recover their arm function better after having a stroke while they are in the hospital.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 60 (estimated) |
| Ages | 21 Years to 90 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Johns Hopkins University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Baltimore, Maryland) |
| Trial ID | NCT06691880 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study investigates the feasibility of using video gaming technology to enhance arm recovery in patients who have experienced a stroke. Participants will engage in high-dosed, video-game-based arm training in addition to standard rehabilitation care while hospitalized. The intervention involves using specialized gaming technologies designed to make therapy engaging and to promote repetitive movements that are crucial for recovery. The effectiveness of this approach will be measured by assessing functional outcomes before and after the training sessions.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are patients admitted to the rehabilitation unit with unilateral upper extremity weakness following a stroke.
Not a fit: Patients who are unable to follow simple commands, have significant medical instability, or have orthopedic restrictions may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly improve arm recovery and functional outcomes for stroke patients during their early rehabilitation.
How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promise in using technology for rehabilitation, but this specific approach is novel and untested in the early post-stroke recovery phase.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: 1. Admitted to Meyer 7 inpatient rehabilitation unit (CIIRP) or Zayed 12 West (12W) Brain Rescue Unit (BRU) 2. Unilateral upper extremity weakness (as defined as change in functional use of extremity from baseline or difference in MMT score from unaffected side to affected side) Exclusion Criteria: 1. Unable to sit upright for at least 3 minutes 2. Unable to follow 1 step commands 3. Vision impairment that impedes seeing the television screen 4. Medical instability as defined by the care provider 5. Orthopedic range of motion precautions including, but not limited to: no active range of motion or weight bearing of the target extremity 6. Heart condition that limits participation in exercise 7. Active seizures or epilepsy 8. Inability to communicate pain status
Where this trial is running
Baltimore, Maryland
- Johns Hopkins Hospital — Baltimore, Maryland, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Mona Bahouth, MD, PhD — Johns Hopkins University
- Study coordinator: Mona Bahouth, MD, PhD
- Email: mbahout1@jh.edu
- Phone: 410-955-2228
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.