Virtual reality rehabilitation program for stroke survivors

Efficacy of NOn-immersive Virtual Reality Adapted Telerehabilitation Exercises for Upper Limb Function and Balance (NOVEL) Program in Stroke Patients: A Mixed Method Pilot Feasibility Study.

This study tests a virtual reality exercise program at home to see if it can help stroke survivors improve their arm function and daily activities.

Quick facts

• Phase: NA
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 30 (estimated)
• Ages: 18 Years and up
• Sex: All
• Sponsor: University of Exeter (other)
• Locations: 1 site (Exeter)
• Trial ID: NCT06409598 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This program utilizes non-immersive virtual reality technology to provide home-based exercises for individuals who have experienced a stroke. It aims to enhance upper limb function through repetitive, task-directed movements, which are crucial for recovery. Participants will engage in virtual reality exercises designed to improve their ability to perform daily activities, thereby addressing the common challenges faced by stroke survivors. The study focuses on feasibility and qualitative outcomes to assess the effectiveness of this innovative rehabilitation approach.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults over 18 years old who have experienced a stroke for more than six months and have upper limb impairments.

Not a fit: Patients with severe arm, leg, or spine contractures, or those with significant medical contraindications may not benefit from this program.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this program could significantly improve the upper limb function and quality of life for stroke survivors.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies utilizing virtual reality for rehabilitation have shown promising results, indicating potential success for this approach.

Eligibility criteria

Inclusion Criteria:

* Age \> 18 years old.
* Having stroke for more than 6 months (early or late chronic stage).
* Not participating in any other rehabilitation study.
* Able to read in English.
* Has good internet connection at home, or can the investigator give them a sim card.
* Score ≤2 on the Modified Ashworth Scale.
* Any degree of upper limb impairment due to stroke (Fugl-Meyer Assessment (FMA)-UE score \<57).
* Having sufficient space at home.
* The participant should have a laptop, computer at their home, if they don't have any of that, the investigator can loan them a laptop.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Having severe arm, leg, or spine contractures, or deformities (MAS 3 or 4).
* Having any medical contraindications (seizure disorders, symptomatic shoulder subluxation, artificial cardiac pacemaker device, persistent shoulder pain (\> 5 on VAS scale as an average).
* To ensure patients had sufficient cognitive abilities to participate in training and evaluation and to provide informed consent, the investigators will exclude patients diagnosed with - serious aphasia (cannot read the instructions) or cognitive dysfunction (inability to understand and follow two-stage instructions given by the investigators.
* To avoid potential confounding effects associated with other treatments, patients with any history of virtual reality upper-limb training or who received a botulinum toxin injection within 16 weeks before enrolment will be excluded.
* Insufficient motor control to move the avatar on the screen.
* Concurrent enrolment in another investigational study.
* Pregnancy (self reported).

Where this trial is running

Exeter

• University of Exeter — Exeter, United Kingdom (RECRUITING)

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Helen Dawes — University of Exeter
• Study coordinator: Hatem YM lazem, Msc

Conditions: Chronic Stroke, virtual reality, Telerehabilitation, Qualitative, Feasibility