40 Participants Needed

Virtual Reality Therapy for Stroke Recovery

Recruiting at 1 trial location
AL
AB
Overseen ByAndréanne Blanchette, PhD
Age: 18+
Sex: Any
Trial Phase: Academic
Sponsor: McGill University
No Placebo GroupAll trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)
Approved in 3 JurisdictionsThis treatment is already approved in other countries

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

While stroke survivors discharged from rehabilitation present with some recovery in mobility, their ability to ambulate in the community remains limited. The investigators propose to test a novel, low-cost, intensive and individually tailored intervention that combines virtual reality (VR) and field training to enhance community ambulation and participation in stroke survivors discharged from rehabilitation.The aims are to: (1) Assess feasibility, acceptability, safety and adherence of the intervention in stroke survivors; and (2) Examine the extent to which post-intervention changes in functional walking and participation to community walking vary according to walking, cognitive and visual-perceptual abilities.The investigators will use a virtual environment prototype simulating a shopping mall and surrounding streets, in which participants will interact using VR goggles and game controllers. Scenarios of increasing levels of complexity will be introduced. This intervention study involves a single group, multiple pre- multiple post- study design where chronic stroke participants will engage in a 4-week training program. The program will include VR training sessions performed in the clinical setting (3/week) and practice of community ambulation skills while supervised by family/caregivers (2/week). Participants will be assessed on measures of functional walking, balance \& mobility and participation to community walking. Adherence, safety and acceptability will be documented. This study will generate foundation knowledge on the response to the intervention based on individual capacities.

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications.

Is virtual reality therapy safe for stroke recovery?

The research does not specifically mention safety concerns, suggesting that virtual reality therapy is generally considered safe for stroke recovery.12345

How is Virtual Reality Therapy for Stroke Recovery different from other treatments?

Virtual Reality Therapy for stroke recovery is unique because it uses computer simulations to create interactive environments that help improve motor skills, balance, and cognitive functions. This therapy can be done at home, making it more accessible and convenient for patients who may have difficulty accessing traditional rehabilitation services.13678

What data supports the effectiveness of the treatment Virtual Reality Therapy for Stroke Recovery?

Research shows that virtual reality training can help improve arm function, balance, and walking in stroke patients. It is a promising tool for stroke rehabilitation, providing feedback that can enhance recovery.13789

Who Is on the Research Team?

AL

Anouk Lamontagne, PhD

Principal Investigator

McGill University

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for chronic stroke survivors aged 40-74 with walking, cognitive, or visual-perceptual deficits. They must have had their first-ever unilateral stroke 9-24 months prior and be able to walk independently at a certain speed. Participants need normal vision/hearing (with aids if necessary) and mild-to-moderate hemiparesis.

Inclusion Criteria

I have long-term effects from a stroke affecting my walking, vision, or thinking.
Your ability to see and understand things is mostly normal or only slightly affected.
I can walk on my own with or without help for at least 1 minute.
See 5 more

Exclusion Criteria

You have other health conditions that affect your ability to see.
You haven't been given permission by a doctor to exercise.
I have health conditions that make it hard for me to walk.

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Pre-intervention Assessment

Participants are assessed on measures of functional walking, balance, and mobility before the intervention

4 weeks
2 visits (in-person)

Treatment

Participants engage in a 4-week VR and field training program, including VR sessions in a clinical setting and community ambulation practice

4 weeks
3 visits (in-person) per week for VR, 2 supervised sessions per week for field training

Post-intervention Assessment

Participants are assessed immediately after the intervention on various outcome measures

4 weeks
1 visit (in-person)

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment

4 weeks
1 visit (in-person)

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

  • Virtual Reality and Field Training (VRFT)
Trial Overview The study tests a new intervention combining virtual reality (VR) and field training aimed at improving community walking skills in stroke survivors. It involves VR exercises in a simulated environment and supervised outdoor walking practice over a four-week program.
How Is the Trial Designed?
1Treatment groups
Experimental Treatment
Group I: Virtual Reality and Field Practice Training (VRFT)Experimental Treatment1 Intervention

Virtual Reality and Field Training (VRFT) is already approved in European Union, United States, Canada for the following indications:

🇪🇺
Approved in European Union as Virtual Reality Therapy for:
🇺🇸
Approved in United States as Virtual Reality Rehabilitation for:
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Approved in Canada as Virtual Environment Training for:

Find a Clinic Near You

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

McGill University

Lead Sponsor

Trials
421
Recruited
1,017,000+

Jewish Rehabilitation Hospital

Collaborator

Trials
7
Recruited
810+

Laval University

Collaborator

Trials
439
Recruited
178,000+

Integrated University Health and Social Services Center of the Capitale-Nationale

Collaborator

Trials
5
Recruited
580+

Published Research Related to This Trial

This feasibility trial involves 40 stroke patients to assess the use of home-based virtual reality training (VRT) for rehabilitation, focusing on improving arm function, balance, and walking after discharge from inpatient care.
The study aims to evaluate the practicality of VRT in a home setting, including participant recruitment, technology handling, compliance, and perceived effectiveness, which could pave the way for a larger trial on its efficacy in stroke recovery.
Home-based virtual reality training after discharge from hospital-based stroke rehabilitation: a parallel randomized feasibility trial.Sheehy, L., Taillon-Hobson, A., Sveistrup, H., et al.[2020]
A meta-meta-analysis of 10 studies involving nearly 550 stroke patients found that virtual reality (VR) training significantly improves upper limb function and balance, with effect sizes indicating strong benefits (SMD 4.606 for upper limb function and SMD 2.101 for balance).
Despite the positive results, the analysis revealed considerable heterogeneity among the studies, suggesting that the findings should be interpreted with caution and indicating a need for further research, particularly regarding the impact of VR on walking ability.
Effects of Virtual Reality Training on Upper Limb Function and Balance in Stroke Patients: Systematic Review and Meta-Meta-Analysis.Wu, J., Zeng, A., Chen, Z., et al.[2021]
Virtual reality therapy (VRT) has been shown to safely enhance motor and functional recovery in stroke patients, improving upper limb function, gait, balance, and quality of life when used alongside conventional therapy.
While VRT demonstrates significant benefits, it does not show clear superiority over traditional rehabilitation methods, indicating a need for further research to identify which patients respond best to this therapy and to establish optimal treatment protocols.
[Current evidence on virtual reality and its potential usefulness in post-stroke neurorehabilitation].León-Ruiz, M., Pérez-Nieves, MT., Arce-Arce, S., et al.[2020]

Citations

Home-based virtual reality training after discharge from hospital-based stroke rehabilitation: a parallel randomized feasibility trial. [2020]
Effects of Virtual Reality Training on Upper Limb Function and Balance in Stroke Patients: Systematic Review and Meta-Meta-Analysis. [2021]
[Current evidence on virtual reality and its potential usefulness in post-stroke neurorehabilitation]. [2020]
Virtual reality in stroke rehabilitation: still more virtual than real. [2016]
Effect of Virtual Reality Training on Balance and Gait Ability in Patients With Stroke: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. [2022]
Is upper limb virtual reality training more intensive than conventional training for patients in the subacute phase after stroke? An analysis of treatment intensity and content. [2022]
Sitting Balance Exercise Performed Using Virtual Reality Training on a Stroke Rehabilitation Inpatient Service: A Randomized Controlled Study. [2021]
Virtual reality therapy for upper limb rehabilitation in patients with stroke: a meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials. [2021]
Immersive Virtual Reality to Improve Outcomes in Veterans With Stroke: Protocol for a Single-Arm Pilot Study. [2021]
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