Investigating the Efficacy of Combining Virtual Reality-Based Mirror Therapy (VRMT) and Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) to Improve Upper Limb Recovery in Patients with Stroke

Launched by KING SAUD UNIVERSITY · Jan 2, 2025

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying a new approach to help stroke patients recover their hand function. Researchers want to see if using a combination of virtual reality-based mirror therapy (which uses computer-generated images to help improve movement) and a technique called transcranial direct current stimulation (a method that delivers a small electrical current to the brain) can work better than using either treatment alone or standard physical therapy. The goal is to determine if this combination can significantly enhance recovery for patients who have had a stroke.

To participate in this study, individuals need to be at least 18 years old and have experienced a stroke more than three months ago that affects one side of their body. They should also be able to follow instructions and have moderate to severe arm impairment. However, people with certain conditions, like severe visual problems or difficulties in understanding spoken instructions, may not be eligible. Participants can expect to receive these new treatments along with regular therapy sessions, and the study is currently looking for volunteers to join.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • At least 18 years old.
• • Stroke patients with unilateral cerebral infarction or hemorrhage, more than three months following the stroke.
• • Adequate cognitive ability to follow instructions (The Arabic version of the Mini-Mental State Examination scores \> 24).
• • Modified Ashworth scale score \< 3.
• • Fugl-Meyer Assessment (FMA) score of 10-58 indicating moderate-to-severe arm impairment.
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • visual impairment and field defect or hemi-sensory inattention and unilateral neglect.
• • Wernicke's aphasia, or global aphasia, leads to difficulty following instructions.
• • Any contraindication to NIBS.
• • Other neurological conditions or participation in another study.