Using virtual reality to improve arm function after stroke

Effectiveness of Immersive Virtual Reality Combined With Task-Specific Training on Hemiplegic Arm Function Following Stroke: A Single Case Series Study.

This study tests if using virtual reality therapy can help stroke survivors improve movement in their weaker arm during everyday tasks.

Quick facts

• Phase: NA
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 13 (estimated)
• Ages: 18 Years and up
• Sex: All
• Sponsor: Virginia Commonwealth University (other)
• Locations: 1 site (Richmond, Virginia)
• Trial ID: NCT05728866 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This research investigates the effectiveness of immersive Virtual Reality (VR) combined with task-specific training to enhance arm movement in individuals who have experienced a stroke. Participants will engage in VR therapy designed to encourage the use of their weakened arm in everyday tasks, while their progress will be measured through standardized clinical tests. The goal is to develop more effective rehabilitation strategies for stroke survivors based on the findings of this study.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 or older who have had an ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke at least 6 months prior and have limited arm movement due to the stroke.

Not a fit: Patients with significant cognitive impairment or those unable to provide informed consent may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly improve arm function and daily living activities for stroke survivors.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promise in using VR for rehabilitation, suggesting that this approach could be effective, although this specific combination of VR and task-specific training is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Inclusion Criteria:

* Age 18 or older.
* Diagnosed as having an ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke (with documented confirmatory neuroimaging in the medical record) that occurred at least 6-months prior to study enrollment.
* Lack of full active range of motion in the involved shoulder, elbow, and wrist as the result of the injury.
* At the time of study enrollment, participant completed structured therapeutic interventions at least 2-months prior.
* Participants will not participate in Yoga, Tai-Chi, or other wellness lifestyle classes while participating in the study.
* Absence of significant cognitive impairment as determined by a Mini-Mental Status Examination score of greater than or equal to 24.
* The absence of upper extremity injury limiting functional use of the arm prior to the incident stroke.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Unable to provide informed consent.
* Sensory loss as determined by a score of 2 on the sensory item of the NIH Stroke Scale.
* Pain in the involved upper limb that could interfere with daily activities as evidenced by a pain score of 5 or greater on the Numeric Pain Rating Scale.
* History of greater than two strokes.
* Suffered a stroke less than 6-months prior to participating in the study.
* A history of, or being susceptible to, cyber-sickness (i.e., motion sickness).
* Unable to don/doff accelerometer independently, or the lack of support in the home to assist with donning/doffing device; and
* A history of seizures.

Where this trial is running

Richmond, Virginia

• Virginia Commonwealth University — Richmond, Virginia, United States (RECRUITING)

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Virginia Chu, PhD — Virginia Commonwealth University
• Study coordinator: Rahsaan Holley

Conditions: Stroke