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

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial explores whether an augmented reality (AR) rehabilitation app can aid recovery after a stroke. The goal is to assess the effectiveness and ease of using this technology at home to improve arm and hand movements. The trial seeks individuals who experienced a stroke at least three months ago and have difficulty using their upper arms and hands. Participants should be comfortable using a headset for daily sessions to determine if this new technology can support their recovery. As an unphased trial, this study offers a unique opportunity to contribute to innovative research that could enhance stroke recovery for many.

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 prior data suggests that this AR rehabilitation app is safe for stroke rehabilitation?

Research has shown that using augmented reality (AR) in stroke recovery is generally safe and can aid patient improvement. Studies have found that patients tolerate AR well, and it effectively supports early recovery efforts. AR often complements traditional therapies to enhance recovery results. By making therapy more engaging and interactive, AR can lead to better outcomes. No major safety issues have been reported in these studies, suggesting AR is a promising tool for stroke recovery. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Unlike traditional stroke rehabilitation treatments that often involve physical therapy sessions in clinical settings, the AR rehabilitation app offers a unique at-home experience using augmented reality headsets. This method allows stroke survivors to engage in personalized rehabilitation exercises daily, providing consistent and interactive training in the comfort of their own homes. Researchers are excited because this approach could enhance patient engagement and accessibility, potentially leading to better rehabilitation outcomes and improved recovery rates.

What evidence suggests that this AR rehabilitation app is effective for stroke rehabilitation?

Research shows that augmented reality (AR) can be a helpful tool in stroke recovery. Studies have found that AR in therapy improves movement skills, which are crucial for recovery after a stroke. By making exercises more engaging, AR boosts motivation and participation. It also provides feedback that helps patients gain better control over their movements. In this trial, participants in the Telerehabilitation Group will use an AR rehabilitation app to support their recovery process. These findings suggest that AR could effectively support recovery after a stroke. ^{1 3 4 6 7}

Who Is on the Research Team?

Maarten Lansberg, MD, PhD

Principal Investigator

Stanford University

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

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 for a Trial Participant

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

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

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.

How Is the Trial Designed?

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+

Published Research Related to This Trial

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]

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]

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]

Citations

1.

pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10183111/

Virtual and Augmented Reality in Post-stroke Rehabilitation

The studies conclude that VR/AR can help in early rehabilitation and yield better results in post-stroke patients in adjunct to conventional therapy.

2.

mdpi.com

mdpi.com/2076-3417/12/4/1848

Effectiveness of Augmented Reality in Stroke Rehabilitation

This study aims to review the effect of AR technology in the recovery of the upper and lower limb function in stroke patients.

3.

frontiersin.org

frontiersin.org/journals/virtual-reality/articles/10.3389/frvir.2025.1641316/full

The effects of using augmented reality in rehabilitation and ...

The results from the literature found that AR for rehabilitation could help patients physically and mentally and improve their motivation and engagement.

4.

jneuroengrehab.biomedcentral.com

jneuroengrehab.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12984-022-01071-x

Examining the effectiveness of virtual, augmented, and mixed ...

[16] showed that the developed VR system can improve the motor control of stroke patients after VR proprioception feedback training. Virtual ...

5.

onlinelibrary.wiley.com

onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/jocn.17730

The Effects of Augmented Reality on Rehabilitation ...

Outcomes (O): The assessment of functional rehabilitation measures in stroke patients, encompassing gait function, balance function, cognitive ...

6.

sciencedirect.com

sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1877050924030680

Virtual and augmented reality games for stroke rehabilitation

This study discovered several game concepts that have been shown useful in aiding the rehabilitation of stroke sufferers.

7.

calciumhealth.com

calciumhealth.com/enhancing-stroke-therapy-with-augmented-reality/

Enhancing Stroke Therapy with Augmented Reality

It's a transformative tool in stroke rehabilitation. By making therapy more engaging, interactive, and effective, AR holds the promise of better outcomes for ...