Virtual reality therapy for upper limb rehabilitation in spinal cord injury patients
The Feasibility of Virtual Reality-Based Activities for Upper Limb Rehabilitation of People With Acute/Sub-Acute Tetraplegia
This study is testing if playing virtual reality games can help people with spinal cord injuries improve their arm and hand function during rehabilitation.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 24 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Glasgow Caledonian University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Glasgow) |
| Trial ID | NCT06154122 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study tests the effectiveness of virtual reality (VR) games as a form of upper limb rehabilitation for individuals with tetraplegia due to spinal cord injuries. Participants will be recruited from the Queen Elizabeth National Spinal Injuries Unit and will receive either standard upper limb therapy or a combination of VR activities and standard treatment over a 12-week period. The immersive VR games are designed to enhance the use of arms and hands during rehabilitation, aiming to improve independence in daily activities for those affected by spinal cord injuries.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 and above who are inpatients at the Queen Elizabeth National Spinal Injuries Unit with a diagnosis of tetraplegia.
Not a fit: Patients scheduled for elective surgery or those with significant comorbidities that may affect their participation or results may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly enhance upper limb function and independence for patients with spinal cord injuries.
How similar studies have performed: While the use of VR in rehabilitation is gaining traction, this specific application for upper limb rehabilitation in tetraplegia is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Willing and able to give informed consent for participation in the trial. * Aged 18 years or above. * An in-patient at the Queen Elizabeth National Spinal Injuries Unit in Glasgow with a diagnosis of tetraplegia. * Sustained a cervical spine injury (C4-C8). * Medically stable to engage in physical rehabilitation and physical activity. * Sitting up in a wheelchair for at least 2 hours daily. Exclusion Criteria: * Scheduled elective surgery or other procedures requiring general anaesthesia anticipated within the next 12 weeks. * Any significant disease or disorder which, in the opinion of the Investigator, may either put the participants at risk because of participation in the trial, or may influence the result of the trial, or the participant's ability to participate in the trial. * Participated in another research trial involving an investigational product in the past 12 weeks. * Participating in another research trial investigating upper limb rehabilitation interventions. * Self-reported motion sickness.
Where this trial is running
Glasgow
- Queen Elizabeth National Spinal Injuries Unit (NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde) — Glasgow, United Kingdom (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Lorna Paul, PhD — Glasgow Caledonian University
- Study coordinator: Lorna Paul, PhD
- Email: Lorna.Paul@gcu.ac.uk
- Phone: +44 (0)141 331 8108
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.