Virtual Reality Training for Stroke Recovery

Recruiting at 1 trial location

Overseen By Mukul Mukherjee, PhD

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: University of Nebraska

Disqualifiers: Recurrent stroke, Hip fracture, Myocardial infarction, others

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

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 1

Duration: 1 day

120 Participants Needed

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial explores how virtual reality can aid stroke survivors in improving their walking. It targets individuals who struggle with uneven steps, where one leg might take longer strides than the other. Participants will walk either with a virtual reality setup (Virtual Reality Augmented Gait Adaptation) or without it to determine which method better helps them sense and correct their uneven walking. Individuals who experienced a single stroke more than three months ago and can walk 10 meters unassisted may be suitable for this study. As an unphased trial, this study provides a unique opportunity for participants to contribute to innovative research that could enhance rehabilitation techniques for stroke survivors.

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 is best to discuss this with the trial coordinators or your doctor.

What prior data suggests that virtual reality training is safe for stroke recovery?

Research has shown that virtual reality (VR) training can help stroke survivors improve walking and balance. For example, one study found that using VR while walking on a treadmill helped people walk better, move more easily, and maintain their balance. Another study demonstrated that immersive VR training improved balance, walking, and confidence in individuals with long-term stroke effects. These findings suggest that VR is generally well-received.

However, it's important to note that some studies focus on other areas, like arm movement, and don't always show improvements in leg function. Overall, VR appears safe and can aid in recovery. For those considering joining a trial, these results offer reassurance about trying VR to improve walking. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Researchers are excited about Virtual Reality Augmented Gait Adaptation for stroke recovery because it offers a fresh, tech-driven approach to rehabilitation. Unlike traditional physical therapy, which often relies on repetitive exercises, this method uses virtual reality to create immersive environments that can enhance motivation and engagement. The VR approach is designed to adapt to symmetric and asymmetric gait patterns, providing a tailored experience that might improve balance and walking speed more effectively. By integrating technology with physical therapy, this method could represent a significant leap forward in helping stroke survivors regain mobility.

What evidence suggests that this trial's virtual reality treatments could be effective for stroke recovery?

This trial will compare different approaches to gait training for stroke recovery. Studies have shown that virtual reality (VR) can enhance walking abilities in stroke patients. In this trial, some participants will walk on a split-belt treadmill in a VR environment, which studies have shown improves balance, movement, and walking evenness. Other participants will walk on a split-belt treadmill in a non-VR environment. Research suggests that VR might effectively address walking problems, such as asymmetrical leg movement, and could make walking easier and more balanced for stroke survivors. ^{6 7 8 9 10}

Who Is on the Research Team?

Mukul Mukherjee, PhD

Principal Investigator

University of Nebraska

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for adults over 21 who had a single stroke more than 3 months ago, can walk 10 meters without help, stand without support, and follow instructions (with a specific mental exam score). It's not for those with recurrent strokes, hip fractures, recent heart attacks, poor vision that isn't corrected to at least 20/40 or other conditions affecting walking like Parkinson's.

Inclusion Criteria

I have had a stroke in the upper part of my brain.

I had a stroke more than 3 months ago.

I can stand on my own without help or devices.

Exclusion Criteria

I have had a hip fracture.

I have had more than one stroke.

I have had a heart attack.

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Treatment

Participants undergo gait adaptation training using virtual reality on a split-belt treadmill

1 day

1 visit (in-person)

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment

4 weeks

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• Virtual Reality Augmented Gait Adaptation

Trial Overview The study tests if virtual reality can improve walking symmetry in stroke survivors. Participants will learn new walking tasks using VR technology. The research also examines the relationship between learning these tasks and the ability to perceive their own asymmetry accurately.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: Stroke Symmetric VR Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

In this experimental arm, stroke survivors who walk symmetrically will walk on a split-belt treadmill in a VR - virtual reality environment.

Group II: Stroke Asymmetric VR Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

In this experimental arm, stroke survivors who walk asymmetrically will walk on a split-belt treadmill in a VR - virtual reality environment.

Group III: Stroke Symmetric Non-VR Active Control 1 Intervention

In this control arm, stroke survivors who walk symmetrically will walk on a split-belt treadmill in a non-virtual reality environment.

Group IV: Stroke Asymmetric Non-VR Active Control 1 Intervention

In this control arm, stroke survivors who walk asymmetrically will walk on a split-belt treadmill in a non-virtual reality environment.

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

University of Nebraska

Lead Sponsor

Trials

563

Recruited

1,147,000+

Published Research Related to This Trial

A systematic review of 87 studies involving 3540 stroke patients found that virtual reality (VR) interventions significantly improved upper- and lower-limb motor function, balance, gait, and daily functioning outcomes.

However, VR interventions did not show significant benefits for cognitive functions, indicating that while VR is effective for physical rehabilitation, its impact on cognitive recovery in stroke patients needs further research.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Virtual reality for limb motor function, balance, gait, cognition and daily function of stroke patients: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Zhang, B., Li, D., Liu, Y., et al.[2021]

In a study of 60 patients recovering from ischemic stroke, the use of virtual reality rehabilitation significantly improved motor function in the lower extremities compared to standard rehabilitation methods, with notable improvements in NIHSS and RMI scores.

The virtual reality intervention, which involved stimulating the plantar surface and using animated movement demonstrations, showed that patients were more ready to achieve independent walking after 10 days of therapy.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

[Motor rehabilitation of patients in the acute period of stroke using virtual reality technology]. Zakharov, AV., Khivintseva, EV., Chaplygin, SS., et al.[2021]

The study will involve 18 individuals with chronic stroke to compare the effects of three different types of augmented feedback on walking speed and motivation: simple visual feedback, basic virtual reality (VR), and VR exergames.

The research aims to fill a knowledge gap regarding how these different feedback methods influence rehabilitation outcomes, specifically focusing on improvements in walking speed and intrinsic motivation during recovery from stroke.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Effects of different types of augmented feedback on intrinsic motivation and walking speed performance in post-stroke: A study protocol. Alhirsan, SM., Capó-Lugo, CE., Brown, DA.[2022]

In a study of 60 chronic stroke patients, virtual reality (VR) training combined with conventional physiotherapy significantly improved lower extremity functional status and balance compared to conventional physiotherapy alone.

The VR group showed greater improvements in the Fugl-Meyer Assessment-Lower Extremity and Berg Balance Scale scores, indicating that incorporating VR into rehabilitation programs can enhance treatment outcomes for stroke patients.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Is virtual reality training superior to conventional treatment in improving lower extremity motor function in chronic hemiplegic patients? Yaman, F., Akdeniz Leblebicier, M., Okur, İ., et al.[2022]

A meta-analysis of 32 studies involving 809 individuals showed that virtual reality (VR) interventions significantly improve gait performance in stroke survivors compared to conventional therapy, with medium effect sizes for cadence, stride length, and gait speed.

The combination of VR with robot-assisted gait training further enhances gait speed, indicating that VR-based interventions can be an effective rehabilitation tool for improving mobility in individuals recovering from stroke.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Virtual reality training enhances gait poststroke: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Ghai, S., Ghai, I., Lamontagne, A.[2022]

Recent reviews of virtual reality (VR) rehabilitation for upper limb and gait recovery post-stroke indicate that VR can be more effective than standard care, based on eight upper limb and two gait studies that met high evidence standards.

The studies highlighted the importance of various factors such as hardware, software, and intervention methods in optimizing VR rehabilitation, suggesting that further research is needed to fill knowledge gaps and improve practical applications.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Virtual Reality for Sensorimotor Rehabilitation Post-Stroke: The Promise and Current State of the Field. Fluet, GG., Deutsch, JE.[2021]

In a study involving 54 stroke patients, virtual reality-assisted gait adaptation training significantly improved walking speed, obstacle avoidance, and balance compared to traditional overground training.

The results suggest that virtual reality training can enhance walking and static balance functions in stroke patients, potentially reducing their risk of falls.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

The Effects of VR-assisted and Overground Gait Adaptation Training on Balance and Walking Ability in Stroke Patients. Wang, X., Qiu, J., Zhou, Y., et al.[2023]

Citations

1. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10164524/

Virtual reality-based gait rehabilitation intervention for ... The use of VR-based physiotherapy interventions for gait rehabilitation in stroke patients appear to be effective in improving gait components, gait ...

2. 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.

3. frontiersin.org frontiersin.org/journals/neurology/articles/10.3389/fneur.2025.1603233/full

The effect of virtual reality-based treadmill gait training on ... This study demonstrated that VR-based treadmill gait training effectively improved gait performance, functional mobility, balance, and gait symmetry in chronic ...

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

Examining the effectiveness of virtual, augmented, and mixed ... VAMR therapy was superior to conventional treatment in UL impairment and daily function outcomes, but not UL function measures.

5. mdpi.com mdpi.com/2227-9032/13/2/203

Gait Training with Virtual Reality-Based Real-Time ... This study suggested the positive effects of the virtual reality-based real-time feedback with treadmill gait training on motor function, balance, and gait ...

6. clinicaltrials.gov clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT03787693

Virtual Reality Augmented Gait Adaptation in Stroke ... The PI's ongoing research investigating the effects of VR on gait adaptation in stroke survivors indicates that the impact of VR is dependent on the subject's ...

7. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12320381/

The effect of virtual reality-based treadmill gait training on ... This study demonstrated that VR-based treadmill gait training effectively improved gait performance, functional mobility, balance, and gait ...

8. jmir.org jmir.org/2025/1/e72364

Effect of Virtual Reality–Based Therapies on Lower Limb ... VR therapy has demonstrated significant potential for enhancing lower limb recovery, especially when applied with frequencies of ≥20 sessions.

9. jptrs.org jptrs.org/journal/view.html?doi=10.14474/ptrs.2024.13.2.250

The Effects of Training with Immersive Virtual Reality ... Conclusions: Fully immersive VR balance training positively impacted balance, walking, and confidence in patients with chronic stroke. TPT ...

10. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11966005/

The Effects of Virtual Reality Training on Post-Stroke Upper ... VR training significantly improves arm motor function over conventional training. • VR training enhances balance but not lower limb motor or gait function.