Augmented Reality Rehabilitation for Stroke

Overseen By Study Team

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: Stanford University

Disqualifiers: Neurological impairment, Visual impairment, Photosensitivity, Seizures, others

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

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: Unknown

Duration: 8 weeks

30 Participants Needed

Trial Summary

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.

What data supports the effectiveness of the AR rehabilitation app treatment for stroke?

Research shows that augmented reality systems, like the AR rehabilitation app, can help improve upper limb movement and balance in stroke patients. These systems use visual stimulation and mirror therapy, which have shown promising results in enhancing recovery. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Is augmented reality rehabilitation safe for humans?

Research on augmented reality rehabilitation for stroke patients suggests it is generally safe, as studies focus on its feasibility and effectiveness without reporting significant safety concerns. ^{2 4 5 6 7}

How does the AR rehabilitation app treatment differ from other stroke treatments?

The AR rehabilitation app is unique because it uses augmented reality technology to enhance upper limb recovery after a stroke, offering an interactive and engaging way to perform rehabilitation exercises. Unlike traditional therapies, this app can be used at home, making it more accessible and potentially more motivating for patients to continue their exercises. ^{2 3 4 5 8}

What is the purpose of this trial?

The study is to 1) determine the feasibility of the use of our augmented reality (AR) rehabilitation program, including its preliminary efficacy, 2) determine the feasibility of obtaining an augmented reality assessment based on the Fugl-Meyer Assessment - Upper Extremity (FMA-UE).

Research Team

Maarten Lansberg, MD, PhD

Principal Investigator

Stanford University

Eligibility Criteria

This trial is for stroke patients who can participate in a study to test an augmented reality (AR) rehabilitation app. Specific eligibility criteria are not provided, but typically participants would need to have had a stroke and be stable enough to engage with the technology.

Inclusion Criteria

It has been over 3 months since my stroke.

Able to operate the AR device independently or with the help of a caregiver

Sufficiently proficient in the English language to follow instructions from Reia

Exclusion Criteria

I have had seizures triggered by visual stimuli.

History of developmental, neurological or psychological impairment leading to functional disability

Vision or visual field impairment that interferes with the use of the AR headset

Timeline

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Treatment

Participants use a mobile medical device in an augmented reality (AR) headset for 30 minutes daily to support their rehabilitation process after stroke

8 weeks

Daily virtual sessions

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment

4 weeks

Treatment Details

Interventions

• AR rehabilitation app

Trial Overview The trial is testing the use of an AR rehab app designed for stroke recovery. It aims to evaluate how feasible it is for patients to use this tech and its preliminary effectiveness, especially regarding upper extremity function using Fugl-Meyer Assessment.

Participant Groups

Group I: Telerehabilitation Group Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Participants will use a mobile medical device in a augmented reality (AR) headset for 30 minutes daily to support their rehabilitation process after stroke by completing assessments and training programs.

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Stanford University

Lead Sponsor

Trials

2,527

Recruited

17,430,000+

University of California, Berkeley

Collaborator

Trials

193

Recruited

716,000+

Findings from Research

A novel and affordable augmented reality system, Augmented Reflection Technology (ART), combined with mirror therapy, has been shown to be feasible for clinical use in upper limb rehabilitation for subacute stroke patients.

The integration of ART into rehabilitation protocols can enhance the effectiveness of inpatient therapy, potentially leading to improved recovery outcomes for stroke patients.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Computerised mirror therapy with Augmented Reflection Technology for early stroke rehabilitation: clinical feasibility and integration as an adjunct therapy. Hoermann, S., Ferreira Dos Santos, L., Morkisch, N., et al.[2022]

Eighteen studies on Augmented Reality (AR) for stroke rehabilitation indicate that while user experiences are generally positive, the technology is still in early development stages and lacks a clear definition, leading to confusion with virtual reality.

Current AR applications primarily focus on rote exercises without occupational relevance, highlighting the need for further research to enhance motor learning and contextual application in rehabilitation settings.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

The use of augmented reality for rehabilitation after stroke: a narrative review. Gorman, C., Gustafsson, L.[2022]

Individuals with stroke expressed a positive attitude towards using technology and exergames for rehabilitation, believing that these tools could enhance their functional recovery despite having limited prior experience with them.

Participants identified key factors for successful adoption of exergames, including the need for customization, goal orientation, and enjoyment, while also emphasizing that therapist supervision remains essential during their rehabilitation process.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Perceptions of stroke survivors regarding factors affecting adoption of technology and exergames for rehabilitation. Krishnan, S., Mandala, MA., Wolf, SL., et al.[2023]

References

1. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Neurophysiological changes accompanying reduction in upper limb motor impairments in response to exercise-based virtual rehabilitation after stroke: systematic review. [2022]

2. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

An augmented reality system for upper-limb post-stroke motor rehabilitation: a feasibility study. [2022]

3. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Computerised mirror therapy with Augmented Reflection Technology for early stroke rehabilitation: clinical feasibility and integration as an adjunct therapy. [2022]

4. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Effects of the home-based exercise program with an augmented reality system on balance in patients with stroke: a randomized controlled trial. [2023]

5. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

The use of augmented reality for rehabilitation after stroke: a narrative review. [2022]

6. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Effect of a mixed reality-based intervention on arm, hand, and finger function on chronic stroke. [2018]

7. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Perceptions of stroke survivors regarding factors affecting adoption of technology and exergames for rehabilitation. [2023]

8. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Examining the effectiveness of virtual, augmented, and mixed reality (VAMR) therapy for upper limb recovery and activities of daily living in stroke patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis. [2023]