Using Virtual Reality to Help Children Recover from Brain Injuries
Official title: Virtual Reality in Rehabilitation of Executive Functions in Children (VREALFUN)
Run by Oulu University Hospital · NCT06127459 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 8 Years to 12 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 44 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Oulu University Hospital Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Oulu) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | January 19, 2024 |
| Main results expected | December 31, 2027 |
| Study ends | December 31, 2028 |
| Registry record updated | November 5, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT06127459 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a 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.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with severe neurological conditions, such as epilepsy or pervasive developmental disorders, 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 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.
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 gone: Other studies have shown promising results using virtual reality for rehabilitation, indicating potential success for this novel approach.
Who can join: the full rules
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 it's running
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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
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
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PIONEER-Prognosis: Using biomarkers and wearables to forecast recovery after mild traumatic brain injury
This study tests whether blood biomarkers, health data from records, and wearables can help predict how people recover after a mild traumatic brain injury treated in the emergency department.
-
HBOT to see if it helps cognition and well‑being in first responders with prior brain injury
This study tests whether 40 hyperbaric oxygen therapy sessions can improve thinking skills and post-concussion symptoms in current or former first responders with a history of brain injury.
-
Depth Electrode Monitoring after Traumatic Brain Injury
This study tests adding a depth electrode with continuous brain monitoring during external ventricular drain placement in adults with traumatic brain injury to see if cortical reverberation signals can be tracked safely.
-
Understanding growth hormone deficiency after a brain injury in adults
This observational study tests whether growth hormone deficiency affects quality of life and symptoms in adults with traumatic brain injury and whether GH replacement helps after 12 weeks.
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Electrical stimulation-assisted exercise for people with lower limb paralysis
This study tests whether adding electrical stimulation during exercise can improve leg muscle strength and endurance for people with paralysis.
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ZEPU-2000 robotic rehab for arm and leg weakness
This trial tests whether adding ZEPU-2000A, ZEPU-2000D, and ZEPU-2000E robotic rehabilitation to usual therapy helps adults with arm/leg movement problems from stroke, incomplete SCI, TBI, or related conditions.
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.