The Effects of Virtual Reality-based Training for the Treatment of Neglect Syndrome in Stroke: a Randomized Controlled Trial

Launched by YONSEI UNIVERSITY · Jul 28, 2025

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying a new type of therapy using virtual reality (VR) to help people who have “neglect syndrome” after a stroke. Neglect syndrome means that a person has trouble paying attention to one side of their body or surroundings, even though their vision is okay. This can make everyday tasks like dressing, eating, or moving around more difficult and increases the risk of bumping into things on the affected side. The study aims to see if this VR training can improve attention and daily function in stroke survivors who are at least three months past their stroke.

People eligible for this trial are adults who had a stroke affecting the right side of their brain, resulting in left-sided weakness and neglect. They need to have enough thinking ability to use the VR program (tested by a simple memory and thinking test) and be able to sit comfortably during the sessions. If they have serious vision problems, neck issues, or get motion sickness easily, they may not be able to join. Participants will use a special VR program that encourages them to look and focus on the neglected side in an interactive, computer-generated environment. The treatment has been well received in early testing, with patients reporting no side effects and feeling satisfied with the sessions. This study is currently recruiting participants and hopes to offer a new, engaging way to support recovery after stroke.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • 1. Patients diagnosed with right cerebral hemisphere stroke confirmed by MRI or CT, with left hemiplegia, and at least three months post-stroke 2. Patients confirmed to have unilateral neglect based on the BIT score (total BIT score ≤ 196, or subtest scores BITC ≤ 129 or BITB ≤ 67) 3. Individuals with sufficient cognitive ability to participate in virtual reality training (MMSE \> 18) 4. Adults aged 19 years or older
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • 1. Presence of Hemianopsia 2. Impaired neck movement due to orthopedic issues or other causes 3. Visual or hearing impairments that interfere with evaluation and treatment 4. Difficulty maintaining a seating posture in a chair with a backrest and armrests 5. Presence of other medical issues that may affect general cognitive decline 6. Experiencing Cybersickness symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, eye strain, disorientation, ataxia, or dizziness repeatedly, making continued training difficult and requiring discontinuation as determined by the researcher