CompletedNot Applicable

Effectiveness of Nintendo Switch Combined With Occupational Therapy to Reduce Fall Risk in Patients With Hemiparesis After Acquired Brain Injury

Spain20 participantsStarted 2025-12-12

Plain-language summary

Title: Effectiveness of Mixed Reality Combined with Occupational Therapy to Reduce Fall Risk in Patients with Hemiparesis After Acquired Brain Injury Study Purpose: This study aims to test whether adding Nintendo Switch video game exercises to regular occupational therapy helps adults with hemipareasia after brain injury. The main goals are to reduce fall risk, improve balance, and enhace quality of life and motivation during rehabilitation. Study Design: This is a pilot randomized controlled trial. The study will run for 5 months at Polibea Norte Rehabilitation Center for Brain Injury in Madrid, Spain. Participants: Adults over 18 years old with hemiparesia from stroke or brain injury who can walk and have mild to moderate balance problems. Groups: Participants will be randomly assigned to one of two groups: Control Group: Receives usual occupational therapy (2 sessions per week, 1 hour each) Experimental Group: Receives 30 minutes of occupational therapy plus 30 minutes of Nintendo Switch exercises (2 sessions per week, 1 hour total) for 8 weeks The Nintendo Switch sessions use Ring Fit Adventure and Nintendo Switch Sports games that require standing, balancing, reaching, and moving different body parts. A therapist supervises all sessions. Before and after the 8-week intervention, all participants will be assessed on: Fall risk and balance: Using standardized tests including the Tinetti Scale, Timed Up and Go test, and Functional Reach Test Functional independence: Using the Functional Independence Measure (FIM) Quality of life: Using the WHOQOL-BREF questionnaire Satisfaction with treatment: Using the Client Satisfaction Questionnaire (CSQ-8) This study will provide preliminary information about whether Nintendo Switch can be a useful tool for rehabilitation of adults with hemiparesia after brain injury. If the intervention proves feasible and shows positive effects, it could be developed into a larger study and potentially used in clinical practice as a complement to traditional therapy. The engaging nature of video games might improve motivation and adherence to rehabilitation, which are important factors for recovery.

Who can participate

Age range

18 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: * Individuals older than 18 years of age * Present hemiparesia as a consequence of acquired brain injury with clinical evidence of persistent motor deficit * Regularly attend rehabilitation treatment at Polibea Norte * Have ability to walk with or without technical aids * Present score between 14 and 22 on the Mini-BESTest test * Have ability to understand simple instructions and follow the intervention * Voluntarily accept participation and sign informed consent Exclusion Criteria: * Present severe cognitive deficit or global aphasia preventing understanding of tasks and risks of the intervention * Present uncontrolled convulsive episodes or severe visual impairment preventing intervention with visual devices * Present vestibular disorders * Participating in other similar intervention programs during the same period * Not accepting voluntary participation in the study and/or not signing informed consent

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.

1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?

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.

What they're measuring

Fall Risk (Tinetti Scale)

Timeframe: Baseline (pre-intervention) and after 8 weeks (post-intervention, up to 1 week)

Trial details

NCT IDNCT07682688

SponsorUniversidad Rey Juan Carlos

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeINTERVENTIONAL

Primary completion2026-06-20

View on ClinicalTrials.gov More Brain Injury trials