Virtual Reality for Stroke Rehabilitation

Overseen By Mansoo Ko, PhD

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: The University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston

Disqualifiers: Diabetes, Blindness, Heart failure, others

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

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 1

30 Participants Needed

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial tests a new virtual reality (VR) system designed to help people regain better walking ability after a stroke. The system combines a VR setup with a robotic device to provide real-time feedback, improving balance between the weak and strong legs. The goal is to enhance walking symmetry and movement for stroke survivors. Individuals who had a stroke over a month ago and can walk at least 10 meters, even with a walking aid, might be suitable candidates for this study. As an unphased trial, this study offers a unique opportunity to explore innovative rehabilitation technology and potentially improve walking ability.

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

What prior data suggests that this VR-based gait training system is safe for stroke rehabilitation?

Research has shown that using virtual reality (VR) for walking training is generally safe and well-tolerated. One study found that a VR-based rehabilitation robot for leg training did not cause any serious side effects. Participants in similar studies improved their walking abilities without major problems.

Moreover, VR-based physical therapy for stroke patients has effectively improved their walking without significant negative effects. Various rehabilitation studies have safely used VR combined with robot-assisted training systems, like the Morning Walk® device, to enhance walking recovery.

The current study includes safety measures such as a saddle-type weight support and real-time heart rate monitoring to ensure a controlled environment, demonstrating a strong focus on minimizing risks during training sessions. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Researchers are excited about using virtual reality (VR) for stroke rehabilitation because it offers a new way to enhance recovery. Unlike traditional physical therapy, which relies on repetitive physical movements and exercises, this approach integrates VR with the Morning Walk® end-effector robot to create an immersive experience that can engage and motivate patients. This innovative method not only aims to improve gait performance by simulating real-world scenarios in a controlled environment but also provides immediate feedback, which can accelerate learning and adaptation. By combining advanced technology with rehabilitation, researchers hope to unlock faster and more effective recovery outcomes for stroke survivors.

What evidence suggests that this VR-based gait training with an end-effector robot is effective for stroke rehabilitation?

Research has shown that virtual reality (VR) gait training can improve walking abilities after a stroke. In this trial, participants in the Post-Stroke Group will complete a single session of VR-integrated gait training using the Morning Walk® end-effector robot. Studies have found that VR-based treadmill training enhances balance, walking performance, and evenness in walking. For people recovering from a stroke, VR-based therapies have proven to boost functional abilities and mobility. A meta-analysis, which combines results from different studies, found that VR training significantly improved movement skills compared to traditional methods. Overall, VR in stroke recovery has demonstrated clear benefits for improving movement in both the arms and legs. ^{6 7 8 9 10}

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for adults aged 20 or older who had a stroke at least one month ago. Participants must be able to walk independently, with or without assistive devices, and cover at least 10 meters on foot.

Inclusion Criteria

I am 20 years old or older.

I can walk 10 meters by myself or with help.

I can walk on my own without needing help from devices.

Exclusion Criteria

Individuals with severe neuropsychiatric disorders (e.g., dementia, cognitive deficits, or severe depression)

Individuals with a life expectancy of less than one year

Comatose individuals

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

1-2 weeks

Single-session Gait Training

Participants undergo a single session of VR-integrated gait training using the Morning Walk® end-effector robot with pre- and post-training assessments.

1 session

1 visit (in-person)

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after the single-session training.

1-2 weeks

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• VR-Based Gait Training with End-Effector Robot

Trial Overview The study tests a new VR system combined with the Morning Walk® robot to help improve walking after a stroke. It aims to make gait more symmetrical by giving real-time feedback during training sessions.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: Post-Stroke Group Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Individuals who have had a stroke will complete a single session of VR-integrated gait training using the Morning Walk® end-effector robot. Gait performance will be evaluated before and after training.

Group II: Healthy Group Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Healthy participants will undergo the same single-session VR-integrated gait training using the Morning Walk® end-effector robot. Pre- and post-training assessments will be conducted.

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

The University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston

Lead Sponsor

Trials

263

Recruited

55,400+

Citations

1. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8122468/

Effect of Virtual Reality Gait Training on Participation in ... VRT was positively rated by people after stroke and was shown to be a well-tolerated and clinically practicable intervention, including appropriate levels of ...

2. 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 ...

3. jmir.org jmir.org/2025/1/e72364

Effect of Virtual Reality–Based Therapies on Lower Limb ... Conclusions: Long-term VR-based therapies are more effective in improving functional ability after stroke. VR therapy has demonstrated ...

4. sciencedirect.com sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0048712025000271

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 ...

5. bioelecmed.biomedcentral.com bioelecmed.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s42234-024-00150-9

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.

6. sciencedirect.com sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2667032125000149

Virtual reality-based robotic training for lower limb ... The purpose of this pilot study was to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of VR-based lower limb rehabilitation robot on improving lower limb ...

7. 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 ...

8. researchgate.net researchgate.net/publication/370658145_Virtual_reality-based_gait_rehabilitation_intervention_for_stroke_individuals_a_scoping_review

Virtual reality-based gait rehabilitation intervention for ... The VR-based gait training ranged from nonimmersive to immersive, was mostly performed on a treadmill, and was usually combined with conventional physiotherapy.

9. withpower.com withpower.com/trial/phase-stroke-6-2025-a6e40

Virtual Reality for Stroke Rehabilitation Participants undergo a single session of VR-integrated gait training using the Morning Walk® end-effector robot with pre- and post-training assessments.

10. mdpi.com mdpi.com/1648-9144/60/4/620

Robot-Assisted Treatments for Gait Rehabilitation in Stroke ... This review investigates the effectiveness and application of various RAGT systems, including both end-effector and exoskeleton robots, in facilitating gait ...