VR Therapy using Meta Quest 2 for Hand and Wrist Injuries

Overseen By Michelle J Nordstrom

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine

Disqualifiers: Photo-induced seizures, Motion sickness, Amputations

No Placebo Group All trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: Unknown

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial explores how virtual reality (VR) can aid recovery from hand and wrist injuries. Using the Meta Quest 2 VR headset, researchers test whether VR can enhance range of motion, dexterity, and strength in the arm, wrist, and hand. It suits individuals managing musculoskeletal issues who are already performing at-home rehab exercises. Participants must move their hand and arm without restrictions and use the VR headset independently. The trial seeks to determine if VR can make physical therapy more effective and engaging. As an unphased trial, it offers a unique opportunity to explore innovative rehabilitation methods and contribute to advancing physical therapy techniques.

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It's best to discuss this with the trial coordinators or your healthcare provider.

What prior data suggests that this VR therapy is safe for hand and wrist injuries?

Previous studies have used the Meta Quest 2 VR headset safely for arm and hand rehabilitation. Research shows that people generally handle this VR therapy well, with no major side effects reported. Users typically engage in exercises that resemble games, making therapy more enjoyable and motivating. This VR technology aims to improve arm and hand function, offering an immersive experience without significant risk. Overall, evidence suggests the treatment is both safe and effective for enhancing physical therapy exercises. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Unlike traditional physical therapy options for hand and wrist injuries that often rely on repetitive exercises and manual therapy, the use of the Meta Quest 2 introduces virtual reality (VR) as a rehabilitation tool. This treatment is unique because it uses immersive VR technology to enhance engagement and motivation in patients, potentially leading to better compliance with their exercise programs. Researchers are excited about this approach because the interactive and gamified nature of VR may improve the range of motion, dexterity, and strength in a more enjoyable and less tedious way compared to standard treatments. By incorporating VR, this method could redefine recovery experiences, making therapy sessions more dynamic and effective.

What evidence suggests that VR therapy using Meta Quest 2 is effective for hand and wrist injuries?

Research has shown that virtual reality (VR) therapy, such as that used with Meta Quest 2, can improve hand movement and function in stroke patients. One study found that VR for arm and hand exercises can be customized to fit individual needs. In this trial, participants will use the Meta Quest 2 system, which accurately tracks hand movements, providing a dependable tool for therapy. Additionally, VR therapy can make rehabilitation more enjoyable and motivating, potentially leading to better outcomes. Overall, these findings suggest VR therapy could aid in treating hand and wrist injuries by enhancing movement range, skill, and strength. ^{1 2 3 4 6}

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

Inclusion Criteria

DoD Beneficiary

Cleared by research or clinical medical provider for participation

Must have demonstrated the ability for the Oculus to track all hand and wrist motions of interest (during an initial screening at baseline)

Exclusion Criteria

You have a history of seizures triggered by exposure to bright lights or flashes.

If you have lost parts of your arm, including fingers, it may not be possible for the virtual reality system to accurately track your movements.

You have experienced motion sickness, like feeling dizzy or nauseous, when using virtual reality (VR) equipment before.

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Typical Home Exercise Program

Participants engage in a typical home exercise program for upper extremity rehabilitation

4 weeks

Baseline visit

VR Rehabilitation

Participants use a VR headset in conjunction with their home exercise program to enhance rehabilitation

4 weeks

Midpoint and final visits

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for compliance and functional outcomes after completing the VR rehabilitation

4 weeks

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• Meta Quest 2

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: Virtual Reality to Enhance Upper Extremity Physical Therapy and Recovery Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

This is a descriptive study assessing the feasibility of using VR rehabilitation with unilateral (or bilateral) impairment of the arm, wrist, and or hand resulting in reduced range of motion, dexterity, and/or strength of the hand. Phase I: Typical Home Exercise Program, Phase II: Use of VR headset in conjunction with current Home Exercise Program. Intervention sessions include the baseline, midpoint and final visits.

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine

Lead Sponsor

Trials

103

Recruited

94,300+

Johns Hopkins University

Collaborator

Trials

2,366

Recruited

15,160,000+

Walter Reed National Military Medical Center

Collaborator

Trials

149

Recruited

33,800+

Published Research Related to This Trial

In a study involving 105 stroke patients, both Nintendo Wii gaming and conventional therapy did not show significant improvements in upper limb recovery compared to a control group after 12 sessions over 3 weeks.

The primary outcome measure, the Fugl-Meyer assessment, and secondary measures indicated no differences in recovery outcomes among the three groups at the end of the intervention or at follow-up periods of 4 and 8 weeks.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Efficacy of a Virtual Reality Commercial Gaming Device in Upper Limb Recovery after Stroke: A Randomized, Controlled Study. Kong, KH., Loh, YJ., Thia, E., et al.[2019]

Citations

1. withpower.com withpower.com/trial/phase-injuries-to-the-hand-and-wrist-2-2023-c507b

VR Therapy using Meta Quest 2 for Hand and Wrist Injuries Research shows that virtual reality (VR) therapy, similar to Meta Quest 2, has been effective in improving hand function and mobility in stroke patients.

2. nature.com nature.com/articles/s41598-025-91552-5

A quantitative assessment of the hand kinematic features ... We quantitatively assess the capability of tracking hand movements of a popular VR system, the Oculus Quest 2 by Meta, by comparing its kinematic measures.

3. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10218592/

Virtual Reality for Upper Extremity Rehabilitation—A ... In this study, we used Meta Quest 2 as the VR device to deliver the immersive experience. Users underwent three different exercises tailored ...

4. clinicaltrials.gov clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05846464

Virtual Reality to Enhance Upper Extremity Physical ... This is a descriptive study assessing the feasibility of using VR rehabilitation with unilateral (or bilateral) impairment of the arm, wrist, and or hand ...

5. mdpi.com mdpi.com/2076-3417/14/11/4780

Virtual Reality-Powered Wrist Therapy: Developing a ... This study focuses on developing a serious game for wrist injury rehabilitation within a virtual environment, aiming to enhance motivation and therapeutic ...

6. sciencedirect.com sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0894113025000626

The role of gaming technology for upper extremity ... Overview of gaming technology for upper extremity rehabilitation of musculoskeletal conditions. (A) Shoulder, (B) elbow and forearm, (C) wrist, (D) hand complex ...