Clinical trial Recruiting at 1 site Interventional Ages 18 to 80

Using virtual reality to help stroke patients recover upper limb function

Official title: Using Immersive Virtual Reality for the Upper Limb Rehabilitation of Post-stroke Subjects: a Multicenter Randomized Control Trial

Run by University Hospital of Ferrara · NCT06892886 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study tests if using virtual reality can help stroke patients improve their arm movement and regain independence in daily activities.

Quick facts

Study typeInterventional
Ages18 Years to 80 Years
SexAll
Enrollment48 (estimated)
SponsorUniversity Hospital of Ferrara
Academic / other
Locations1 site (Ferrara)
StatusRecruiting
StartedMarch 1, 2023
Main results expectedDecember 31, 2025
Study endsDecember 31, 2025
Registry record updatedMarch 25, 2025
Trial IDNCT06892886 on ClinicalTrials.gov

Is this trial a fit for you?

Likely a good fit

Ideal candidates are individuals who have suffered a first ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke within the last four weeks and have upper limb motor impairment.

Probably not a fit

Patients with additional neurological conditions, severe cognitive impairments, or significant upper-limb pain 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 investigates the effectiveness of an immersive virtual reality system using a head-mounted display for upper limb rehabilitation in patients who have experienced a sub-acute stroke. The approach aims to simulate real-life movements and tasks to enhance motor function recovery, potentially allowing patients to regain independence in daily activities. Participants will be assessed based on their upper limb motor impairment, and the study will quantitatively measure improvements in limb functioning. The goal is to provide clearer evidence on the benefits of virtual reality in stroke rehabilitation.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly improve upper limb recovery and quality of life for stroke survivors.

How similar studies have gone: While the use of virtual reality in rehabilitation is a growing field, the specific application in upper limb recovery for sub-acute stroke patients is still being explored, indicating a mix of novel and previously tested approaches.

Who can join: the full rules

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* diagnosis of first, ischemic or hemorrhagic, stroke verified by brain imaging within 4 week
* upper limb motor impairment defined by an upper extremity score \<55 on the Fugl-Meyer Assessment

Exclusion Criteria:

* neurological conditions in addition to stroke that may affect motor function
* other medical conditions likely to interfere with the ability to safely complete the study protocol
* impaired cognitive functioning that influences the ability to give informed consent
* severe neuropsychological disorders
* visual impairment
* severe upper-limb pain defined as \> 7 on the Visual Analogue Scale

Where it's running

  • Ferrara University Hospital
    Ferrara, Italy
    Recruiting

Study contacts

Similar studies

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

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.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.