Using virtual reality for knee injury rehabilitation
Immersive Virtual Reality in the Rehabilitation of Peripheral Injuries
This study is testing if using virtual reality can help people recover motor functions after knee injuries by allowing them to practice movements in a fun and engaging way.
Quick facts
| Phase | Early Phase 1 |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 45 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 65 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Turin, Italy Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Turin, TO) |
| Trial ID | NCT05364970 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This project aims to validate a rehabilitation protocol utilizing immersive virtual reality (IVR) to restore motor functions after knee injuries. The approach leverages multisensory integration to create an illusion of movement through a virtual avatar, allowing patients to engage in rehabilitation without physically executing movements. By focusing on the brain's ability to adapt and reorganize, the study seeks to enhance recovery outcomes for athletes and individuals with knee injuries. The intervention includes various VR training sessions designed to promote motor function recovery.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are individuals in the early recovery phase after knee sprains or surgeries related to knee ligaments or meniscus injuries.
Not a fit: Patients with a history of neurological or psychiatric disorders or those who experience motion sickness during virtual reality use may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly accelerate recovery times and improve motor function in patients with knee injuries.
How similar studies have performed: While the use of virtual reality in rehabilitation is gaining traction, this specific application for knee injuries is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested in prior studies.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Early recovery after knee sprain and/or surgery to knee ligaments and/or meniscus after musculoskeletal injuries of the knee * Normal or corrected-to-normal visual acuity Exclusion Criteria: * History of neurological or psychiatric disorders * Motion sickness during IVR use
Where this trial is running
Turin, TO
- University of Turin — Turin, To, Italy (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Maria Pyasik, PhD — University of Turin, Italy
- Study coordinator: Lorenzo Pia, PhD
- Email: lorenzo.pia@unito.it
- Phone: 011 6703922
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.