Virtual Reality Exercise for Spinal Cord Injury

Overseen By Margaret Finley, PhD, PT

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: Drexel University

Disqualifiers: Upper extremity pain, Angina, Spasticity, others

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

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 4

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial tests a virtual reality exercise program designed specifically for people with spinal cord injuries (SCI). The goal is to provide a fun and accessible way to exercise at home, improving physical fitness and quality of life. It targets those who primarily use a wheelchair and engage in little physical activity. Participants will use the VR-Move platform three times a week for twelve weeks, tracking their progress with a heart rate monitor. The researchers aim to demonstrate that this approach can safely and effectively help people with SCI stay active and healthy. As an unphased trial, this study offers participants the chance to contribute to innovative research that could enhance exercise options for individuals with SCI.

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 virtual reality exercise platform is safe for individuals with spinal cord injury?

Research has shown that using virtual reality (VR) for exercise is generally safe for people with spinal cord injuries (SCI). Studies have found that VR exercise can improve balance and movement, with few reports of serious side effects. Evidence suggests that most individuals handle these activities well, indicating safety for home use. No known risks are linked to this type of VR exercise, making it a promising option for those seeking to enhance their fitness from home. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Researchers are excited about the Virtual Reality Exercise for Spinal Cord Injury because it offers a unique, interactive way to engage patients in physical activity from the comfort of their homes. Unlike traditional rehabilitation methods that often require in-person sessions with a therapist, this VR-based program provides a personalized exercise experience that can be easily adapted to each participant's needs. The use of a VR platform combined with a heart rate monitor not only makes the activity more engaging but also allows for real-time tracking of progress, potentially enhancing motivation and adherence to the exercise regimen. This innovative approach could make rehabilitation more accessible and enjoyable for people with spinal cord injuries.

What evidence suggests that this virtual reality exercise is effective for spinal cord injury?

Research has shown that virtual reality (VR) exercise can improve fitness for people with spinal cord injuries (SCI). Studies have found that VR can enhance walking and balance, which are often affected by SCI. One study on VR fitness training at home found it to be a convenient and easy way to support rehabilitation. This trial will test the VR-Move platform, which could provide a helpful way for people with SCI to exercise at home. VR exercise might lead to improvements in physical health and possibly in emotional and social well-being as well. ^{1 2 4 6 7}

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for individuals with Spinal Cord Injury (SCI), specifically those who are non-ambulatory but have preserved C6 function. It's designed to help them exercise at home using a virtual reality system called VR-Move, which aims to improve their physical fitness and overall quality of life.

Inclusion Criteria

Be low risk for developing a cardiovascular event during vigorous exercise according to ACSM

ASIA level A-D

Report low amounts of physical activity as determined by the Physical Activity Scale for Individuals with Physical Disabilities (PASIPD). Participants whose combined scores for item 3 (moderate sport or recreation) and 4 (strenuous sport or recreation) ≤10 MET hours per week, will be considered physically inactive.

Exclusion Criteria

I cannot use my arms fully.

I haven't had a heart attack or severe chest pain in the last year.

I experience constant or exercise-worsened arm pain rated at least 4 out of 10.

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Baseline Control

Participants maintain their daily activities as usual for four weeks

4 weeks

1 visit (in-person) for baseline assessment

Intervention

Participants use the VR-Move platform independently for 12 weeks, exercising 3 times per week for 30 minutes

12 weeks

3 visits (virtual) for data collection at weeks 4, 10, and 16

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment

4 weeks

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• Virtual Reality Exercise

Trial Overview

The study tests the VR-Move platform, a home-based virtual reality exercise program tailored for people with SCI. The goal is to see if it can be an effective way to increase physical activity and enhance health outcomes without the barriers of cost or transportation.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: Preliminary clinical efficacy and feasibility of 12-week home-based VR-Move exercise program Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Following baseline (week 0) assessments participants will be instructed to maintain their daily activities as usual for four weeks. Following the 4-week control phase, and the pre-intervention data collection session participants will be provided with instructions on set-up and use of the VR exercise platform, clinical dashboard and mobile app. Participants will be issued a wireless heart rate monitor (Polar Electro Oy, Model 190027141, Kemple, Finland) to wear on their wrist during each exercise session, tracking heart rate. Participants will be asked to use the VR-Move platform independently following system prompts (as with any virtual exercise product). Over the 12-weeks, participants will be instructed to exercise with the VR-Move 3x/week for 30 minutes for 12-weeks total, with modules presented in a prescribed weekly sequence to provide novel and re-enforcement of modules, while ensuring all modules are performed. Further, participants will be provided the opportunity of a 30 m

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Drexel University

Lead Sponsor

Trials

160

Recruited

48,600+

United States Department of Defense

Collaborator

Trials

940

Recruited

339,000+

Published Research Related to This Trial

A study involving 12 subjects with incomplete spinal cord injury showed that a home-based virtual reality training system significantly improved lower limb muscle strength, balance, and functional mobility after 4 weeks of training.

Participants reported high motivation and positive changes, with functional mobility improvements lasting for at least 2-3 months after the training, indicating the potential of VR as an effective neurorehabilitation tool.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Home-Based Virtual Reality-Augmented Training Improves Lower Limb Muscle Strength, Balance, and Functional Mobility following Chronic Incomplete Spinal Cord Injury. Villiger, M., Liviero, J., Awai, L., et al.[2022]

A study involving 20 patients with spinal cord injury showed that combining virtual reality (VR) training with conventional rehabilitation significantly improved upper limb function compared to conventional therapy alone.

Participants in the VR group experienced notable enhancements in grip strength and overall upper extremity motor scores, indicating that VR can be a safe and effective addition to rehabilitation programs for improving upper limb function.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

A Fully Immersive Virtual Reality Method for Upper Limb Rehabilitation in Spinal Cord Injury. Lim, DY., Hwang, DM., Cho, KH., et al.[2020]

Circuit resistance training (CRT) and high-intensity interval training (HIIT) can significantly improve cardiorespiratory fitness, muscular strength, and blood lipid levels in individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI), highlighting the importance of exercise for metabolic health in this population.

Using virtual platforms to deliver high-intensity exercise can help overcome barriers such as transportation and facility access, making it easier for individuals with SCI to engage in effective exercise programs while ensuring safety and risk mitigation.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Virtual Strategies for the Broad Delivery of High Intensity Exercise in Persons With Spinal Cord Injury: Ongoing Studies and Considerations for Implementation. McMillan, DW., Astorino, TA., Correa, MA., et al.[2021]

Citations

1.

pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11514920/

Effects of virtual reality rehabilitation after spinal cord injury

VR has shown promise in enhancing walking ability and balance function in individuals with SCI. However, the existing evidence for VR interventions in SCI ...

2.

jneuroengrehab.biomedcentral.com

jneuroengrehab.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12984-024-01492-w

Effects of virtual reality rehabilitation after spinal cord injury

VR has shown promise in enhancing walking ability and balance function in individuals with SCI. However, the existing evidence for VR interventions in SCI ...

3.

nature.com

nature.com/articles/s41598-025-86845-8

Effect of a virtual walking and exercise-based intervention ...

This study aims to assess the effect of combining virtual walking (VW) therapy with a physical exercise (PE) program compared to PE alone on lower limb ...

4.

jomh.org

jomh.org/articles/10.31083/j.jomh1808160

A Review about the Effectiveness of Virtual Therapy in ...

The main aim of this study is to analyze the effectiveness of virtual reality to improve functional performance in patients with spinal cord injury.

5.

mdpi.com

mdpi.com/2075-1729/14/7/859?

Pilot Study of Home-Based Virtual Reality Fitness Training ...

This study investigates the effectiveness of home-based virtual reality fitness training (VRFT) as a convenient and accessible rehabilitation ...

6.

clinicaltrials.gov

clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05318079

Telehealth Virtual Reality Exergaming for Spinal Cord ...

The first purpose is to quantify feasibility through telemonitored exercise data: total play time, moderate exercise time, playtime with others, and ...

7.

withpower.com

withpower.com/trial/phase-spinal-cord-injuries-sci-4-2025-1b706

Virtual Reality Exercise for Spinal Cord Injury

Research on virtual reality exercise for spinal cord injury shows it is generally safe, with studies reporting improvements in balance and mobility without ...