Using virtual reality and treadmill training for stroke rehabilitation

Is this trial a fit for you?

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This pilot randomized controlled trial aims to evaluate the feasibility and usability of Omnidirectional Virtual Reality (omni-VR) combined with treadmill training for chronic stroke survivors. Participants will engage in 45-minute training sessions three times a week for 12 weeks, comparing the effects of omni-VR on cognition, walking ability, and balance against traditional exercise methods. The study will also assess the impact on health-related quality of life and motivation. By integrating immersive VR technology with treadmill training, the research seeks to enhance rehabilitation outcomes for stroke survivors.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria

* Age ≥ 18
* Stroke ≥ 6 months ago (confirmed with chart review)
* Living within 50 km of Halifax, Nova Scotia
* Functional Ambulation Category of 3 or greater on a scale of 0-5, to ensure the participant is able to walk with supervision or independently. This criterion was selected to ensure participants could safely participate in the intervention.
* Ability to participate in low-moderate intensity aerobic or strengthening exercise for ≥ 15 minutes to ensure participants can tolerate intervention sessions of 30-45 minutes, with activity breaks, in keeping with previous stroke rehabilitation studies.
* No uncorrected visual deficits or spatial neglect
* No cardiovascular, orthopedic, or neurological diseases other than stroke impacting walking or balance
* Can follow simple instructions
* Score of \< 27 on the adapted Motion Sickness Susceptibility Scale-Short based on established normative values indicating more than moderate susceptibility to motion sickness.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Unstable serious medical condition
* Resting blood pressure \>180/100mmHg
* History of abnormal untreated heart rhythm
* Pregnancy
* Condition limiting ability to complete or tolerate the exercises without major program modifications (e.g., chronic low back pain)
* Serious comorbid condition that would affect participation in the intervention (e.g., active cancer, severe heart disease)
* Severe loss of hearing or speech that would preclude VR use
* Participant weight more than 264 lbs (weight limit for Virtualizer Elite 2 treadmill)
* Participating in another formal lower limb exercise program \> 1 day per week
* History of QT prolongation or using potential QT prolonging drugs

Where it's running

• Nova Scotia Rehabilitation & Arthritis Centre
  Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada Recruiting

Study contacts

• Study coordinator: Adria Quigley, PhD
• Email: adriaquigley@dal.ca
• Phone: 902-494-2734

Similar studies

Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.

• Deep phenotyping to explore recovery in young adults after stroke

  This project will test whether a detailed health and sample-collection approach (deep phenotyping) is practical and acceptable for people aged 18–55 who have had a stroke.

  Recruiting The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health · Heidelberg, Victoria and 1 other locations · NCT07019493

• Stem cell therapy for chronic stroke recovery

  This study is testing whether using a patient's own stem cells can help people with long-term stroke recovery feel better and improve their daily functioning.

  Recruiting Phase 2 Hokkaido University Hospital · Sapporo, Hokkaido · NCT06752720

• AI-based tools to help diagnose, treat and predict stroke outcomes across multiple hospitals

  This study tests AI-powered tools on real-world stroke patients to see if they can improve pre-hospital triage, diagnosis, and outcome prediction while data stay securely within each hospital.

  Recruiting at 2 sites Hospital Universitari Vall d'Hebron Research Institute · Leuven and 6 other locations · NCT07924371

• Web-based therapy using action observation and mirror therapy for arm weakness after stroke

  This trial tests whether a mobile telerehabilitation app delivering action observation therapy (AOT) alone or combined AOT with mirror therapy (AOT-MT) can improve upper limb function in people with subacute stroke.

  Recruiting Chang Gung Memorial Hospital · Taoyuan · NCT07921108

• Remote Ischaemic Conditioning for Fatigue After Stroke 2

  Aat least 12 weeks after stroke, adults with post-stroke fatigue will try a simple hand-arm cuff treatment at home to see if it helps reduce fatigue.

  Recruiting Phase 2 Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust · Sheffield, South Yorkshire · NCT07914647

• Dual-task balance training plus computer-based cognitive training after stroke

  In adults who recently had a stroke, the study tests whether adding computerized cognitive exercises to balance training improves balance and other recovery outcomes.

  Recruiting Matia Foundation · San Sebastián, GUIPUZCOA · NCT07913620

How to take part

1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.