Effectiveness of Immersive Virtual Reality Combined With Task-Specific Training on Hemiplegic Arm Function Following Stroke

Launched by VIRGINIA COMMONWEALTH UNIVERSITY · Feb 6, 2023

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is exploring how effective a combination of immersive Virtual Reality (VR) and specific training tasks can be in helping people regain movement in their arms after having a stroke. The study aims to see if using VR can motivate patients to practice moving their arms, which can be challenging after a stroke. Researchers are currently looking for participants aged 18 and older who have had a stroke at least six months ago and have difficulties moving their arm due to the stroke.

To join the study, participants should not have severe cognitive problems, and they should not have experienced significant pain that would interfere with their daily activities. They must also have completed some form of therapy for their arm at least two months before joining. Throughout the trial, participants can expect to engage in VR activities designed to improve their arm function while receiving guidance on specific tasks. It's important to note that participants will need to be able to understand and consent to the study, and they should not have a history of motion sickness or recent strokes.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Age 18 or older.
• • Diagnosed as having an ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke (with documented confirmatory neuroimaging in the medical record) that occurred at least 6-months prior to study enrollment.
• • Lack of full active range of motion in the involved shoulder, elbow, and wrist as the result of the injury.
• • At the time of study enrollment, participant completed structured therapeutic interventions at least 2-months prior.
• • Participants will not participate in Yoga, Tai-Chi, or other wellness lifestyle classes while participating in the study.
• • Absence of significant cognitive impairment as determined by a Mini-Mental Status Examination score of greater than or equal to 24.
• • The absence of upper extremity injury limiting functional use of the arm prior to the incident stroke.
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Unable to provide informed consent.
• • Sensory loss as determined by a score of 2 on the sensory item of the NIH Stroke Scale.
• • Pain in the involved upper limb that could interfere with daily activities as evidenced by a pain score of 5 or greater on the Numeric Pain Rating Scale.
• • History of greater than two strokes.
• • Suffered a stroke less than 6-months prior to participating in the study.
• • A history of, or being susceptible to, cyber-sickness (i.e., motion sickness).
• • Unable to don/doff accelerometer independently, or the lack of support in the home to assist with donning/doffing device; and
• • A history of seizures.