Virtual reality plus bilateral brain stimulation to improve arm and hand recovery after 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

This interventional protocol pairs task-specific virtual reality training with simultaneous bilateral tDCS to promote motor learning and neural activation in the affected upper limb of chronic stroke survivors. Eligible participants meeting cognitive and motor thresholds (MMSE ≥24, FMA 29–58, Modified Ashworth <3) will be randomized to active bi‑tDCS plus VR or sham stimulation plus VR. Outcomes will focus on changes in upper limb motor function and hand dexterity measured before and after the intervention. The primary aim is to test feasibility and whether adding bi‑tDCS produces greater functional gains than VR with sham stimulation.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria: 1- Adult participants (over 18 years of age) (Elsner et al., 2020).

2- Patients with a unilateral cerebral infarction or haemorrhage who are at least three months post-stroke (Muller et al., 2021).

3- Adequate mental status confirmed by an MMSE (Arabic version) should be ≥24 (Kim, 2021). ensuring the ability to comprehend and follow instructions.

4- Modified Ashworth scale score \< 3 (Ögün et al., 2019). 5- Fugl-Meyer assessment (FMA) scores between 29 and 58, indicating moderate impairments (Woytowicz et al., 2017).

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Exclusion Criteria: - Visual impairment and severe hemisensory neglect or inattention (Stahl et al., 2019; Fluet1 et al., 2015).

2- Individuals who have aphasia find it difficult to follow instructions (Fluet et al., 2015).

3- Presence of any medical condition that contraindicates the use of non-invasive brain stimulation (Stahl et al., 2019; Learmonth et al., 2021).

4- History of neurological disorders unrelated to stroke or participation in another study.

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Where it's running

• King Fahad Medical City مدينه الملك فهد الطبيه, 6496 Makkah Al Mukarrama Road, الرياض, الرياض 12231
  Riyadh, Saudi Arabia Recruiting

Study contacts

• Study coordinator: Sarah Almhawas, PT
• Email: 446200649@student.ksu.edu.sa
• Phone: 0555677296

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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.