Using virtual reality to improve arm and hand function after subacute stroke

Is this trial a fit for you?

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

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.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

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 it's running

• 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

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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.