Using virtual reality to improve arm and hand function after subacute stroke
The Effect of Virtual Reality Therapy on Upper Extremity Functions in Subacute Stroke Patients Receiving Conventional Rehabilitation and Action Observation Therapy: A Randomized Controlled Single-Blind Study
NA · Istanbul Physical Medicine Rehabilitation Training and Research Hospital · NCT07299162
This study will try adding virtual reality sessions to standard rehabilitation and action observation therapy to see if people in the subacute phase of stroke can regain better arm and hand movement.
Quick facts
| Phase | NA |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 38 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Istanbul Physical Medicine Rehabilitation Training and Research Hospital (other gov) |
| Locations | 1 site (Istanbul, Bahçelievler) |
| Trial ID | NCT07299162 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
Adults with a first-ever subacute stroke (6 weeks to 6 months) are randomly assigned to two groups that both receive conventional rehabilitation plus action observation therapy, with one group also receiving additional virtual reality therapy. Treatments are delivered frequently (conventional therapy 5 days per week; action observation therapy 3 times per week) and virtual reality is given alongside these programs for the experimental arm. Participants are evaluated before treatment using standardized measures of upper extremity motor function, functional tasks, impairment scales, and a patient-reported impact scale, and outcomes are compared between groups. The randomized design and repeated standardized assessments are intended to determine whether adding virtual reality produces greater improvement than conventional care plus action observation alone.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Adults (≥18 years) in the subacute phase of a first-ever stroke (6 weeks to 6 months), with Brunnstrom stage ≥3 for the affected upper extremity/hand and MMSE ≥20, are ideal candidates.
Not a fit: Patients with severe paretic shoulder pain, bilateral stroke, global aphasia or major cognitive impairment, severe visual deficits, unilateral spatial neglect, inability to sit, or very high arm spasticity (Modified Ashworth Scale >4) are unlikely to benefit or be eligible.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, adding virtual reality could improve arm and hand function and make daily activities easier for people recovering from subacute stroke.
How similar studies have performed: Previous smaller trials of virtual reality and of action observation therapy have reported modest improvements in upper-limb function, but results are mixed and combining these approaches is not yet definitively proven.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Patients over the age of 18 * Patients in the subacute phase of stroke (between 6 weeks and 6 months post-stroke) * Patients with a first-ever stroke * Brunnstrom stage 3 or above for both upper extremity and hand * Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) score \>=20 No major medical condition that would prevent participation in the treatment Exclusion Criteria: * Presence of pain in the paretic shoulder severe enough to prevent exercise * History of bilateral stroke * Patients with global aphasia and/or cognitive impairment that significantly affects treatment compliance * Patients with severe visual impairment * Presence of unilateral spatial neglect * Inability to maintain sitting balance * Modified Ashworth Scale \> 4 in the hemiplegic arm
Where this trial is running
Istanbul, Bahçelievler
- Istanbul Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Training and Research Hospital — Istanbul, Bahçelievler, Turkey (Türkiye) (RECRUITING)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Seda Akbayrak, MD — Istanbul Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Training and Research Hospital
- Study coordinator: Seda Akbayrak, MD
- Email: akbayrakseda@gmail.com
- Phone: +90 5312478829
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.
Conditions: Stroke, Hemiplegia and/or Hemiparesis Following Stroke, Virtual reality, action observation therapy, hemiplegia, hemiparesis, stroke, upper extremity