Using virtual reality for self-rehabilitation of facial paralysis
Official title: Evaluation of the Effectiveness of Virtual Reality Self-rehabilitation in the Treatment of Facial Paralysis and Synkinesis
Run by Centre Hospitalier Universitaire, Amiens · NCT05547152 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study tests whether using virtual reality can help people with recent facial paralysis improve their recovery through fun exercises and activities.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 100 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Centre Hospitalier Universitaire, Amiens Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Amiens, Picardie) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | August 2, 2022 |
| Main results expected | August 2029 |
| Study ends | August 2029 |
| Registry record updated | June 15, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT05547152 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 and older with recent onset peripheral facial palsy of grade III or higher.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with central facial palsy, those with chronic facial palsy, or those who have undergone certain prior treatments may not benefit from this study.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This study evaluates the effectiveness of virtual reality as a self-rehabilitation tool for patients suffering from peripheral facial palsy and associated synkinesis. It aims to improve functional recovery through interventions that include massages, motor stimulation, stretching, and virtual reality exercises. The study targets patients who have experienced recent onset facial palsy and assesses their progress over time. By utilizing innovative technology, the study seeks to enhance traditional rehabilitation methods and provide a more engaging recovery experience.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly improve recovery outcomes and quality of life for patients with facial paralysis.
How similar studies have gone: While the use of virtual reality in rehabilitation is an emerging field, similar studies have shown promising results in enhancing recovery in various conditions, indicating potential for success in this novel application.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Patient with recent onset peripheral facial palsy (≤ 12 months). * Patient with peripheral facial palsy of grade ≥ III on the House \& Brackmann score * Patient of legal age (≥ 18 years) * Patient with appropriate information and informed consent Exclusion Criteria: * Patient with central facial palsy * Patient with peripheral facial palsy of \> 12 months onset * Patient with peripheral facial palsy of grade \< III House \& Brackmann score * Patient who has previously undergone palliative surgery * Patient undergoing a botulinum toxin injection protocol * Patients benefiting from enhanced protection, i.e. minors, persons deprived of their liberty by a judicial or administrative decision, persons staying in a health or social institution, adults under legal protection, pregnant or breast-feeding women and patients in emergency situations * Patients who have not provided informed consent * Patients with cognitive disorders that do not allow them to follow the proposed self-education protocol * Blind or visually impaired patients (visual acuity of the better eye after correction ≤ 4/10)
Where it's running
-
CHU Amiens Picardie
Amiens, Picardie, France Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: François-Régis SARHAN
- Email: sarhan.francois-regis@chu-amiens.fr
- Phone: 03 22 45 59 93
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
-
Breathing and VR Nature Videos in Angiography Patients
This trial tests whether breathing meditation with VR nature videos can reduce anxiety and improve comfort for adults undergoing coronary angiography.
-
Support COPD patients with a reality-augmented coach for physical activity
This study tests a reality-augmented coach to guide and motivate adults with COPD to exercise in a real-world setting.
-
Virtual reality to reduce pain and anxiety during ingrown toenail surgery
In adults having outpatient ingrown toenail surgery under local anesthesia, this study tests whether using virtual reality helps reduce pain and anxiety compared with standard care.
-
VR After Hip Replacement: See if Virtual Reality Helps Pain and Comfort
This study tests whether virtual reality can help adults recover after total hip replacement by reducing pain and anxiety and improving comfort.
-
Seeing the world from home: using virtual reality travel to help lonely older adults
A small pilot study will test whether virtual reality travel experiences can help reduce loneliness in people aged 65 and older who are open to trying VR.
-
Comparing VR hypnosis, PSiO relaxation glasses, and no relaxation tool to reduce anxiety before orthopedic surgery
This project tests whether virtual reality hypnosis, PSiO relaxation glasses, or no relaxation tool best reduces anxiety in adults before orthopedic surgery under general anesthesia.
How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.