Virtual Reality-Based Upper Limb Rehabilitation in Chronic Stroke
Spain26 participantsStarted 2022-09-01
Plain-language summary
This randomized controlled study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of non-immersive virtual reality-based rehabilitation using the MindMotion™ GO system compared with conventional occupational therapy for improving upper limb motor function in individuals with chronic stroke. Stroke is a leading cause of long-term disability in adults worldwide, and barriers such as limited access to rehabilitation services, low motivation, and reduced adherence may hinder recovery in the chronic phase.
Participants will be randomly assigned to either an experimental group receiving non-immersive virtual reality training or a control group receiving conventional occupational therapy according to standard clinical practice. Both groups will complete two rehabilitation sessions per week for eight weeks, with each session lasting approximately 40 minutes.
The study will assess upper limb motor function, performance in activities of daily living, and quality of life. In addition, electroencephalography (EEG) will be used before and after the intervention to explore potential neuroplastic changes associated with rehabilitation.
Outcome assessments will be conducted at baseline and at follow-up approximately three months after the initial evaluation. The results of this study may help determine whether non-immersive virtual reality is an effective and accessible tool to enhance rehabilitation outcomes in individuals with chronic stroke.
Who can participate
Age range
18 Years – 85 Years
Sex
ALL
See this in plain English?
AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.
Inclusion Criteria:
Participants must meet all of the following criteria:
* Age between 18 and 80 years.
* Chronic phase of ischemic stroke affecting the dominant hemisphere in the Middle Cerebral Artery territory (more than 6 months and less than 4 years since stroke onset).
* Ability to actively extend the wrist at least 20 degrees and extend the fingers at least 10 degrees.
* Upper limb muscle strength of the paretic limb ≥2 in the shoulder, elbow, and wrist.
* Adequate trunk control.
* Adequate vision and hearing to interact with the rehabilitation platform.
* Ability to collaborate and follow study procedures.
* Meeting safety criteria for Electroencephalography recording.
* Signed informed consent.
Exclusion Criteria:
Participants will be excluded if any of the following conditions are present:
* Severe cognitive impairment (Montreal Cognitive Assessment score \<10).
* Major depression or emotional disorders associated with severe attention or cooperation deficits that may interfere with hand function.
* Severe psychiatric disease.
* Severe spasticity in the affected limb (Modified Modified Ashworth Scale ≥3-4).
* Aphasia preventing comprehension of verbal instructions.
* Visuospatial neglect preventing interaction with the rehabilitation interface.
* Participation in other upper limb rehabilitation therapies during the study period.
* Severe functional dependency prior to stroke.
* History of other strokes occurring after the index stroke.
* Any medical condition …
Questions worth asking your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.
1This trial is already completed — is there any published data on how well VR-based upper limb rehabilitation worked for chronic stroke patients that my doctor can review to help guide my own treatment plan?
2Since this study focused specifically on people with chronic stroke and upper limb paresis, how does my current level of arm and hand weakness compare to what this trial was likely studying, and would that affect whether a similar VR approach makes sense for me?
3The trial measured upper limb motor function as its main outcome — can my doctor help me understand how that would be assessed in my case, and what kind of improvement would actually make a meaningful difference in my daily life?
4Given that this was listed as Phase NA, which often means it was more of a pilot or feasibility study, how much confidence should I have in the results, and are there larger or more established studies on VR rehabilitation I should also be asking about?
5Are there VR-based upper limb therapy programs already available outside of a clinical trial that my rehabilitation team could offer me now, or is standard physical and occupational therapy still considered the better first step for someone in my situation?
Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.
Questions for the trial coordinator
The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.
1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.