Virtual Reality's Impact on Upper Limb Function in Post-stroke Patients

Launched by QILU HOSPITAL OF SHANDONG UNIVERSITY · Mar 11, 2025

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is exploring how virtual reality (VR) can help improve upper limb function in individuals who have had a stroke. Stroke can lead to difficulties with movement in the arms, affecting daily activities and overall quality of life. The study aims to see how different types of VR experiences can aid in rehabilitation by enhancing the brain's ability to rewire itself and improve movement. Participants will be divided into three groups to undergo various VR interventions over two weeks, and their progress will be assessed at the beginning, end, and six weeks later.

To join the study, participants must be between 40 and 80 years old, have experienced their first stroke within the last year, and have some level of arm movement difficulty. They also need to be able to understand and follow instructions. Those with certain medical conditions or previous VR training will not be eligible. Participants can expect to spend about four hours a week in VR sessions, with assessments to track their improvement in arm function and overall well-being. This trial is not yet recruiting, but it represents an innovative approach to stroke rehabilitation that could make a big difference in recovery.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • First episode of stroke, hemorrhagic or ischemic, confirmed by computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging of the brain;
• • Age 40-80 years, either male or female;
• • 3-12 months since stroke occurrence;
• • Mild-to-moderate or moderate-to-severe upper extremity impairment, with a FMA-UE score between 16 and 53;
• • Basic ability to communicate and comprehend the research instructions, with a score of 21 and above on the MMSE scale;
• • Agreement to participate in the study, with an informed consent form duly signed by the patient or a family member.
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • The presence of ferromagnetic metals implanted in the body;
• • Visual or hearing deficits;
• • Unstable medical conditions;
• • History of receiving similar VR training in the past;
• • A history of myasthenia gravis, multiple sclerosis, muscular dystrophy, or other diseases that may cause upper limb movement disorders.