Using virtual reality to improve upper limb rehabilitation in stroke patients
Effects of Action Observation Therapy Based on Virtual Reality for Upper Extremity Rehabilitation in Stroke
This study is testing if adding virtual reality to a therapy for stroke patients can help them regain better use of their arms compared to just the therapy alone.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 36 (estimated) |
| Ages | 40 Years to 60 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Riphah International University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Lahore, Punjab Province) |
| Trial ID | NCT06196229 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This clinical trial evaluates the effectiveness of combining Action Observation Therapy (AOT) with Virtual Reality (VR) to enhance upper limb function in stroke patients. Participants will be randomly assigned to either receive AOT alone or AOT combined with VR, where they will observe and then perform specific tasks. The study will assess improvements using various standardized tests before and after the intervention, which consists of 18 sessions. The aim is to determine if the addition of VR can provide greater rehabilitation benefits compared to AOT alone.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 40-60 with unilateral upper limb paresis and sufficient cognitive ability to participate.
Not a fit: Patients with severe cognitive impairments or significant spatial neglect may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly improve upper limb rehabilitation outcomes for stroke patients.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown promise in using virtual reality for rehabilitation, but this specific combination with AOT is relatively novel.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * • Both Male \& Female * 40-60 years of age * Primarily motor symptoms with unilateral upper limb paresis (controlled via standard neurological examination) * Residual movement ability of the paretic upper limb, controlled by Medical Research Council (MRC) index (\> 2 and \< 4), active use of the hemiplegic limb, from minimal (mainly for assistance tasks to the preserved limb) to discrete (characterized by coarse manipulation and an inability to perform precision grip) * mini-mental state examination (MME) score ≥27 * Sufficient cooperation and cognitive understanding to participate to the activities, controlled by the investigator recruiting the patient Exclusion Criteria: * • Presence of severe cognitive impairment (score \< 20 at Mini Mental State Examination \[MMSE\]) * Presence of severe forms of unilateral spatial neglect, controlled using the Bells Test (cut-off = / \> 50%) * Presence of severe ideomotor Apraxia * Presence of severe anosognosia, assessed by clinical examination * Presence of severe language comprehension deficits, assessed by clinical examination. * Presence of severe untreated psychiatric disorders * Sensory impairments hindering participation and/or not compensated visual deficits of central origin * Drug-resistant epilepsy
Where this trial is running
Lahore, Punjab Province
- Riphah International University — Lahore, Punjab Province, Pakistan (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Tasneem Shahzadi, Phd* — Riphah International University
- Study coordinator: Imran Amjad, Phd
- Email: imran.amjad@riphah.edu.pk
- Phone: 033224390125
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.