VR-based upper limb training for kids and teens with Duchenne muscular dystrophy

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 randomized trial will enroll 36 participants with Duchenne muscular dystrophy to compare two approaches for upper-extremity rehab. One group receives conventional physiotherapy including upper-extremity exercises plus immersive VR-based training, while the control group receives the same physiotherapy without the VR component. Interventions occur twice weekly for 8 weeks, with assessments before, after, and at a follow‑up using validated measures. The VR program uses Meta Quest 3 headsets with hand-tracking to target shoulder, elbow, wrist, and hand movements. The study also includes formative usability evaluation of the VR rehabilitation platform to inform future use in this population.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

* Clinical diagnosis of Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD)
* Age ≥ 7 years
* Ambulatory or non-ambulatory status (both are eligible)
* Ability to follow movement instructions
* Brooke Upper Extremity Functional Rating Scale (BUEFS) level ≤ 4 (i.e., able to bring hand to mouth)

Exclusion Criteria:

* Presence of any neurological diagnosis other than DMD
* Cognitive, behavioral, or communication impairments that limit participation
* Systemic illness or condition interfering with participation
* Severe visual impairments incompatible with VR headset use
* Presence of severe contractures or deformities that prevent execution of VR-based exercises

Where it's running

• İstanbul Üniversitesi Cerrahpaşa Tıp Fakültesi
  Istanbul, Fatih, Turkey (Türkiye) Recruiting

Study contacts

• Study coordinator: Sahra Şirvan Tongar, MSc.
• Email: csahrasirvan@gmail.com
• Phone: +905319249229

Similar studies

Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.

• Breathing and VR Nature Videos in Angiography Patients

  This trial tests whether breathing meditation with VR nature videos can reduce anxiety and improve comfort for adults undergoing coronary angiography.

  Recruiting University of Yalova · Istanbul, İ̇stanbul · NCT07892456

• How chronic pain changes over time in kids with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy

  This study is following children and teens with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy for 6 months to see how their chronic pain changes and how it affects daily life.

  Recruiting Antalya Training and Research Hospital · Antalya, Antalya · NCT07892196

• Bone health in adults with Duchenne muscular dystrophy: osteoporosis, fractures, and treatment

  This study looks at how common bone problems and fractures are in adults with Duchenne muscular dystrophy and what factors from childhood might affect bone health later on.

  Recruiting at 15 sites Istituto Giannina Gaslini · Bologna and 14 other locations · NCT07890883

• Respiratory progression in adults with Duchenne muscular dystrophy: a long-term observational study

  This study tests how respiratory function changes over three years in adults with genetically confirmed Duchenne muscular dystrophy.

  Recruiting at 13 sites Istituto Giannina Gaslini · Bologna and 12 other locations · NCT07879989

• Support COPD patients with a reality-augmented coach for physical activity

  This study tests a reality-augmented coach to guide and motivate adults with COPD to exercise in a real-world setting.

  Recruiting Groupe Hospitalier du Havre · Montivilliers · NCT07837375

• Virtual reality to reduce pain and anxiety during ingrown toenail surgery

  In adults having outpatient ingrown toenail surgery under local anesthesia, this study tests whether using virtual reality helps reduce pain and anxiety compared with standard care.

  Recruiting Ankara City Hospital Bilkent · Ankara, Ankara · NCT07707726

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.