Using virtual reality and field training to improve walking in stroke survivors
A Virtual Reality and Field Training Toolkit to Enhance Community Ambulation and Participation in Stroke Survivors
This study is testing whether a program that combines virtual reality and outdoor training can help stroke survivors walk better and get more involved in their communities after rehab.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 40 (estimated) |
| Ages | 40 Years to 74 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | McGill University Academic / other |
| Locations | 2 sites (Laval, Quebec and 1 other locations) |
| Trial ID | NCT04559373 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This intervention combines virtual reality (VR) and field training to enhance community ambulation in stroke survivors who have completed rehabilitation. Participants will engage in a 4-week program consisting of supervised VR training sessions and field training assignments, tailored to their individual needs. The study aims to assess the feasibility, acceptability, safety, and adherence to the intervention, as well as measure changes in walking and participation in community activities. The VR environment simulates real-world scenarios to help participants practice and improve their mobility skills.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are individuals aged 40 to 74 with chronic stroke and persistent deficits in walking, cognitive, and visual-perceptual abilities.
Not a fit: Patients with severe cognitive impairments or those unable to walk independently for at least one minute may not benefit from this intervention.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could significantly improve the ability of stroke survivors to walk independently in community settings.
How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promise in using virtual reality for rehabilitation, suggesting potential success for this novel approach.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: People with chronic stroke and persistent deficits in walking / visual-perceptual / cognitive capacities. They can be male or female, aged from 40 to 74 years, with normal/corrected visual and auditory acuity, and present with: * First-ever supratentorial unilateral stroke 9-24 months ago (such chronicity will ensure steady-state mobility without long-term disuse-related changes * Mild-to-moderate hemiparesis (Chedoke McMaster Stoke Assessment stages 4/7-6/7 on postural control, leg \& foot) * Ability to walk independently with/without walking aids for at least 1 min at 0.4-0.9 m/s (such a speed range indicates mobility not sufficient for functional community ambulation: shopping \~1.1m/s, street crossing \~1.2 m/s) * Intact or mildly affected cognitive function (Montreal Cognitive Assessment scores ≥ 22/30) * Intact to moderately affected visual-perceptual function (positive scores on a maximum of 3/6 tasks on the Behavioural Inattention Test) Exclusion Criteria: * Subjects with comorbidities interfering with walking * Subjects with comorbidities interfering with visual perception * Subjects without medical clearance for exercise
Where this trial is running
Laval, Quebec and 1 other locations
- Jewish Rehabilitation Hospital — Laval, Quebec, Canada (Recruiting)
- Institut de réadaptation en déficience physique de Québec — Québec, Quebec, Canada (Not_yet_recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Anouk Lamontagne, PhD — McGill University
- Study coordinator: Anouk Lamontagne, PhD
- Email: anouk.lamontagne@mcgill.ca
- Phone: 514-938-4397
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.