Using Virtual Reality to Help Children Recover from Brain Injuries
Virtual Reality in Rehabilitation of Executive Functions in Children (VREALFUN)
This study is testing whether using virtual reality can help children aged 8-12 recover better from mild to moderate brain injuries by improving their attention and daily living skills.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 44 (estimated) |
| Ages | 8 Years to 12 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Oulu University Hospital Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Oulu) |
| Trial ID | NCT06127459 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This project aims to develop an innovative rehabilitation method using Virtual Reality (VR) for children aged 8-12 who have experienced mild to moderate traumatic brain injuries. The approach focuses on enhancing attention and executive functions through engaging VR environments that mimic real-life situations. Participants will use VR glasses to complete tasks designed to improve their daily living skills, with difficulty levels adjusted based on individual progress. The study will employ a randomized control design to evaluate the effectiveness of this VR intervention compared to standard rehabilitation methods.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are children aged 8-12 who have mild to moderate traumatic brain injuries and exhibit challenges in attention and executive function.
Not a fit: Patients with severe neurological conditions, such as epilepsy or pervasive developmental disorders, may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly improve the rehabilitation outcomes for children with traumatic brain injuries, enhancing their daily functioning and quality of life.
How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promising results using virtual reality for rehabilitation, indicating potential success for this novel approach.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Mild to moderate traumatic brain injury (ICD-10: S06.0-S06.6 and S06.8-S06.9 and criteria defined in the Current Care Recommendation, 2021) and * The challenges of attention and executive function identified in the assessment of a neuropsychologist/experienced psychologist and * Age 8-12 years and * Finnish as a native language Exclusion Criteria: * Sensitivity to flashing light, * Epilepsy (ICD-10 G40), * Mental retardation (ICD-10 F70-F79), * Pervasive developmental disorders (ICD-10 F84), * Inflammatory diseases of the central nervous system (ICD-10 G00-G09), * Severe cerebral palsy syndrome (ICD-10 G80, GMFCS 4-5, MACS 3-5), * Brain tumour, and * Multiple pregnancy
Where this trial is running
Oulu
- Oulu University Hospital — Oulu, Finland (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Merja Nikula, M.Psych. — Oulu University Hospital
- Study coordinator: Merja Nikula, M.Psych.
- Email: merja.nikula@pohde.fi
- Phone: +358505794427
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.