Using virtual reality to help stroke patients walk again

Tolerance Study of Robotic-Assisted Virtual Reality Walking Rehabilitation for Non-Walking Stroke Patients

NA · University Hospital, Limoges · NCT06053619

This study tests whether using virtual reality during walking rehab can help stroke patients who can't walk feel more motivated and improve their walking ability compared to regular rehab methods.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment30 (estimated)
Ages35 Years to 75 Years
SexAll
SponsorUniversity Hospital, Limoges (other)
Locations1 site (Limoges)
Trial IDNCT06053619 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study evaluates the tolerance of immersive virtual reality (VR) during robotic-assisted walking rehabilitation for non-walking stroke patients. Participants will undergo rehabilitation sessions using a Gait Trainer, both with and without the VR device, to assess their motivation, sense of presence, and usability of the technology. The study aims to measure actual walking time and number of steps taken during these sessions, comparing the effectiveness of VR-enhanced rehabilitation to conventional methods. The goal is to determine if VR can improve patient adherence and participation in rehabilitation.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are non-walking stroke patients aged 35 to 75 who are in the subacute phase of recovery and can understand simple instructions.

Not a fit: Patients with neurological or psychiatric conditions other than stroke, or those who cannot tolerate virtual reality, may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could enhance rehabilitation outcomes and improve walking ability in stroke patients.

How similar studies have performed: While robotic-assisted gait therapy has shown effectiveness, the combination with immersive VR is a novel approach that has not been extensively tested.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Hemiparesis following a first ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke;
* subacute phase (15 days to 6 months);
* Aged 35 to 75 years;
* Non-walking subject (unable to walk 3 x 10 meters without human assistance or Functional Ambulation Classification ≤ 2);
* Benefiting from robot-assisted walking rehabilitation in the readaptation and physical medecin department of the Limoges University Hospital;
* Having the cognitive abilities to understand and follow simple verbal instructions (MMSE \< 24 or BDAE \< 2)
* Be able to give informed consent to participate in this study.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Have neurological and psychiatric conditions, other than stroke;
* Conditions contraindicating the use of virtual reality (e.g., epileptic disorders, major cerebellar syndrome).
* Inability to evolve in a virtual environment (MSSQ-Short \> 26)
* Patient with acute cardiovascular and respiratory disorders;
* Patient who is subject to a legal protection measure or who is unable to give consent;
* Person deprived of liberty
* Person with high VR experience during the 5 years before stroke
* pregnant woman, breastfeeding woman

Where this trial is running

Limoges

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Stroke, Central Nervous System Diseases, Virtual Reality, Stroke Rehabilitation, Robotic, Gait Trainer

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.