Virtual Reality for Stroke
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
This trial explores how virtual reality training can aid stroke recovery by improving walking abilities. Participants will use VR technology to practice various walking skills, such as speed, balance, and obstacle avoidance, over four weeks. The study aims to determine if this therapy is practical and well-received by both patients and clinicians. Suitable candidates experienced a stroke 9-24 months ago, have some difficulty walking, and can walk independently for at least one minute, even if using a walking aid. As an unphased trial, this study provides a unique opportunity to explore innovative rehabilitation methods that could enhance recovery experiences.
Do I need to stop my current medications for the trial?
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 doctor.
What prior data suggests that this virtual reality intervention is safe for stroke patients?
Research has shown that using virtual reality (VR) for stroke recovery is generally safe and well-received. Studies have found that many stroke survivors experience significant improvements in physical abilities after VR therapy, including better walking and balance. Additionally, a review found that VR therapy can be as effective as, or sometimes even more effective than, traditional therapy for stroke recovery.
Patients typically express high satisfaction with VR training. Most participants report positive experiences, with some achieving better outcomes than with regular therapy alone. Problems or side effects are rarely reported, indicating that VR is a safe option for stroke rehabilitation.
Overall, VR training appears to be a promising and safe method for helping stroke patients regain certain physical skills.12345Why are researchers excited about this trial?
Researchers are excited about Virtual Reality Training for stroke rehabilitation because it offers a unique, immersive experience that can enhance motor recovery in a fun and engaging way. Unlike traditional physical therapy, which often involves repetitive exercises, VR allows participants to practice movements in a virtual environment that can mimic real-life scenarios, potentially increasing motivation and participation. This innovative method could lead to faster and more effective recovery by providing real-time feedback and adjusting the difficulty level based on the individual's progress.
What evidence suggests that this virtual reality training is effective for stroke?
Research has shown that virtual reality (VR) training, which participants in this trial will receive, can aid stroke recovery. Studies have found that VR helps stroke survivors walk faster, improve balance, and enhance overall movement. One study that reviewed multiple other studies found that patients using VR demonstrated better functional abilities than those who did not. VR engages patients and maintains their motivation, potentially leading to improved recovery outcomes. Evidence supports VR's potential to enhance movement in both arms and legs, as well as walking and balance, suggesting its usefulness in stroke rehabilitation.46789
Who Is on the Research Team?
Anouk Lamontagne, PhD
Principal Investigator
McGill University
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
This trial is for adults aged 40-74 who had their first stroke 9-24 months ago and have mild-to-moderate walking difficulties. They should be able to walk a bit with/without aids, have decent cognitive function, and good visual-perceptual abilities. People with other health issues affecting vision or walking, or without medical clearance for exercise can't join.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Pre-intervention Assessment
Collection of baseline characteristics such as walking capacity, visual-perceptual function, cognitive function, age, gender, and sex
VR Training
Participants engage in a personalized VR-ODT training for 4 weeks, targeting community walking demands with increasing difficulty
Post-intervention Assessment
Assessment of feasibility, acceptability, adherence, and presence of cybersickness using various questionnaires
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after the intervention
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- Virtual Reality Training
Trial Overview
The study tests a new Virtual Reality (VR) training program over 4 weeks to improve walking after stroke. It includes exercises like increasing walking speed/distance, postural transitions, obstacle avoidance, dual-tasking while walking, tailored to each patient's ability.
How Is the Trial Designed?
1
Treatment groups
Experimental Treatment
Participants will engage in a 4-week VR intervention that comprises of 1-hour training sessions, 2 times/week.
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
McGill University
Lead Sponsor
Jewish Rehabilitation Hospital
Collaborator
Citations
Exploring the efficacy of virtual reality-based rehabilitation ...
VRBR holds promise as an efficacious intervention in stroke rehabilitation. Its immersive nature enhances patient engagement and motivation.
Virtual reality in stroke recovery: a meta-review of systematic ...
Evidence from high-quality systematic reviews suggests that there is benefit from VR in upper limb, lower limb, gait, and balance recovery.
Review Rehabilitation applied with virtual reality improves ...
The meta-analysis indicated that the VR group showed statistically significant improvement in functional ability versus control group. The methodological ...
The Effects of Virtual Reality Training on Post-Stroke Upper ...
The findings revealed that VR training significantly outperformed CT in enhancing upper limb motor function, ADL, and balance, when administered ...
Virtual reality for stroke rehabilitation - Laver, KE - 2025
Virtual reality may be better than alternative therapy in terms of slightly improving balance, and probably reduces activity limitation. Very ...
Effectiveness and safety of virtual reality rehabilitation after ...
Systematic reviews of VR-based post-stroke interventions have shown that VR made be superior to23, 24, 25 or equal to, conventional therapy, engendering ...
Effect of Virtual Reality-Based Rehabilitation on Mental ...
This systematic review and meta-analysis demonstrated that VR-based rehabilitation significantly improved mental health and quality of life in stroke patients ...
8.
jneuroengrehab.biomedcentral.com
jneuroengrehab.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12984-025-01641-9Patient-centered insights into virtual reality rehabilitation for ...
Most stroke survivors experienced significant improvements in physical function after participating in VR rehabilitation training. This included ...
9.
frontiersin.org
frontiersin.org/journals/rehabilitation-sciences/articles/10.3389/fresc.2025.1660766/fullPatient satisfaction and tolerance of virtual reality ...
Nearly one-third of patients (31.6%) were rated as achieving better outcomes than expected with conventional therapy alone, while over half ( ...
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