Using Omnidirectional Virtual Reality and Treadmill Training for Chronic Stroke

Launched by NOVA SCOTIA HEALTH AUTHORITY · Jul 3, 2024

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying a new way to help people who have had a stroke improve their walking and thinking skills. The researchers want to see if using a special virtual reality system combined with a treadmill, called omnidirectional treadmill Virtual Reality (omni-VR), is effective compared to a traditional exercise program that focuses on walking and strengthening activities. They will look at how well participants can walk, their balance, and how their brain works during tasks over three months of training.

To participate in this study, you need to have had a stroke at least six months ago and be living near Halifax, Nova Scotia. You should be able to walk with some limitations and have no major health issues affecting your balance or walking. If you join, you'll attend training sessions for 45 minutes, three times a week, either using the omni-VR system or doing traditional exercises. The researchers will also check how your quality of life and motivation might improve during the trial. This study is currently looking for participants, and it's an opportunity to potentially benefit from innovative rehabilitation techniques.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Stroke ≥ 6 months ago (per conventional stroke trials)
• • Living within 50 km of Halifax, Nova Scotia
• • Functional Ambulation Category ≥ 3
• • Self-reported walking limitations (Walk-12 score \> 20)
• • Ability to exercise for ≥ 15 minutes
• • No visual deficits or hemispatial neglect
• • No other cardiovascular, orthopedic, or neurological diseases impacting walking or balance
• • Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) scores \> 18 indicating moderate or severe cognitive impairment