Dance Therapy for Stroke

Overseen By Tanvi Bhatt, PhD

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: University of Illinois at Chicago

Must not be taking: Sedatives, Botox

Disqualifiers: Severe illness, Cardiovascular, Pulmonary, others

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

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 20

Duration: 6 weeks

120 Participants Needed

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial explores a new method to improve physical function after neurological impairments such as stroke, Parkinson's disease, or multiple sclerosis. Instead of traditional rehabilitation, participants will engage in a virtual-reality dance program (virtual-reality-based dance training) to determine if it enhances movement and community connection. The research aims to assess whether this dance-based therapy is safe, easy to follow, and effective compared to standard rehabilitation. Suitable candidates for this study have had a neurological condition for at least six months and can stand and walk with or without assistance. As an unphased trial, this study provides a unique opportunity to explore innovative rehabilitation methods in a supportive environment.

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

The trial does not specify if you need to stop taking your current medications. However, if you have Parkinson's disease, your medication use should be stable.

What prior data suggests that this virtual-reality based dance training is safe for individuals with neurological impairments?

Research has shown that virtual reality (VR) dance training is generally safe for people recovering from a stroke. Studies have found that VR-based rehabilitation can be as effective, and sometimes even more effective, than traditional therapy. Importantly, participants have handled VR training well, with only a few minor side effects reported.

One review highlighted that VR methods are safe and acceptable for stroke recovery. Another study confirmed that VR programs are not only safe but also promising in improving physical abilities.

Overall, evidence suggests that VR dance training is well-tolerated and may offer an enjoyable way to aid recovery without significant risks. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Researchers are excited about virtual-reality based dance therapy for stroke patients because it offers a fun and engaging way to aid recovery. Unlike traditional physical therapy, which can be repetitive and boring, this method uses the "Just Dance 3" video game to make rehabilitation enjoyable. By incorporating a mix of slow and fast-paced songs, it challenges different aspects of movement and coordination, potentially speeding up recovery. Plus, the convenience of virtual reality means it can be done at home, making it more accessible for patients.

What evidence suggests that virtual-reality based dance training is effective for stroke rehabilitation?

Research shows that virtual reality for dance training, which participants in this trial will receive, can aid stroke recovery. Studies have found that it enhances stroke patients' ability to reach with their arms and maintain balance while moving. This therapy uses games and dance to engage patients in repetitive movements, crucial for recovery. A review found that virtual reality exercises can enhance rehabilitation results, suggesting they could be a helpful therapy. Overall, evidence suggests this method might be a promising alternative to traditional stroke rehabilitation. ^{6 7 8 9 10}

Who Is on the Research Team?

Tanvi Bhatt

Principal Investigator

University of Illinois Chicago

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for adults aged 18-90 with a history of stroke, Parkinson's disease, or Multiple Sclerosis. They must be able to stand and walk (with aids if necessary), follow instructions in English, and have sufficient cognitive function. Stroke patients need some upper limb function; Parkinson's patients should be on stable medication without severe fluctuations; MS patients can't have severe disability.

Inclusion Criteria

Able to follow instructions provided in English

I can stand and walk on my own or with help like a cane or walker.

I have had a neurological condition like stroke, Parkinson's, or MS for over 6 months.

Exclusion Criteria

Uncontrolled hypertension (systolic blood pressure (SBP) > 165 mmHg and/or diastolic blood pressure (DBP) > 110 mmHg during resting)

I experience shortness of breath.

Participants unavailable for 12 weeks of participation

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Treatment

Participants receive virtual-reality based dance training for 6 weeks using the Kinect dance game

6 weeks

20 sessions (in-person)

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment

4 weeks

Long-term compliance monitoring

Participants' compliance and gains in community participation and integration are evaluated

12 weeks

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• Virtual-reality based dance training

Trial Overview The study tests virtual-reality based dance training as an alternative therapy to improve physical function in individuals who've had a stroke. It compares the effectiveness of this innovative approach against conventional rehabilitation methods.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: Virtual-reality based dance group Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Virtual-reality based dance training - Participants received Virtual-reality based dance training for 6 weeks using the commercially available Kinect dance game (Microsoft Inc., Redmond, WA, U.S.A.) "Just Dance 3". The six week session consisted of 5 sessions/week, next two weeks of 3 sessions/week and last two weeks of 2 sessions/week, for a total of 20 sessions. Participants played on 10 songs for the first 2 weeks, progressing to 12 songs during the 3nd and 4th weeks with an addition of 2 more songs of their choice during the last two weeks. Participants played on alternating slow- and fast-paced songs (each maximum of 4 minutes in duration) with a five minutes break after a set of one slow and fast song.

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

University of Illinois at Chicago

Lead Sponsor

Trials

653

Recruited

1,574,000+

Published Research Related to This Trial

Stroke patients reported positive experiences using Wii Sports® as a supplement to traditional occupational therapy, highlighting its ability to connect them with their past, present, and future activities.

The study, involving nine Danish stroke patients over three weeks, found that Wii Sports® provided variety and engagement in rehabilitation, while also presenting challenges that could motivate patients in their recovery process.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Stroke patients' experiences with Wii Sports® during inpatient rehabilitation. Celinder, D., Peoples, H.[2016]

In a study involving 20 participants (10 with chronic stroke and 10 healthy adults), the EyeToy console was found to elicit significantly greater movement intensity compared to the Wii console for both groups, indicating its potential for enhancing rehabilitation exercises.

Both the EyeToy and Wii consoles were rated highly for usability and enjoyment, making them suitable options for stroke rehabilitation, but clinicians may prefer EyeToy for encouraging more intense movements.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Sony PlayStation EyeToy elicits higher levels of movement than the Nintendo Wii: implications for stroke rehabilitation. Neil, A., Ens, S., Pelletier, R., et al.[2016]

Wii-based Movement Therapy offers a promising alternative to traditional rehabilitation methods for stroke patients, addressing barriers like access, cost, and patient compliance.

This therapy has shown success in improving patient re-engagement in the community after treatment, indicating its potential effectiveness in post-stroke rehabilitation.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Games for Rehabilitation: Wii-based Movement Therapy Improves Poststroke Movement Ability. McNulty, PA.[2015]

The pilot study aims to assess the feasibility and tolerability of a therapeutic virtual reality (VR) platform in inpatient stroke rehabilitation, focusing on its potential to enhance upper extremity recovery and pain management for veterans over a 4-6 week period.

Preliminary findings suggest that VR interventions could provide effective adjunct therapy in stroke rehabilitation, with the potential for seamless transition from hospital to home, thereby improving patient engagement in self-management.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Immersive Virtual Reality to Improve Outcomes in Veterans With Stroke: Protocol for a Single-Arm Pilot Study. Tran, JE., Fowler, CA., Delikat, J., et al.[2021]

A 58-year-old man with right hemiplegia showed significant improvements in gait and lower limb motor function after 8 weeks of VR-based physical therapy combined with traditional therapy, indicating the efficacy of this approach.

The use of VR technology provided real-time feedback that enhanced rehabilitation outcomes, as evidenced by increased step length, stride length, and a rise in the Fugl-Meyer assessment score from 18 to 23 points.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Improved Balance, Gait, and Lower Limb Motor Function in a 58-Year-Old Man with Right Hemiplegic Traumatic Brain Injury Following Virtual Reality-Based Real-Time Feedback Physical Therapy. Kim, KH., Kim, DH.[2023]

Using commercial video games like the Nintendo Wii® in virtual reality rehabilitation for stroke patients showed significant improvements in dynamic balance, upper limb motor function, and quality of life, based on an integrative review of 13 studies involving 5-47 participants each.

The virtual reality interventions were found to be more effective than conventional treatments specifically for improving dynamic balance, although some studies did not report changes in static balance or daily living activities.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Virtual reality in the rehabilitation of patients with stroke: an integrative review. Aramaki, AL., Sampaio, RF., Reis, ACS., et al.[2020]

Virtual reality therapy significantly improves upper limb function and activities of daily living in stroke rehabilitation compared to conventional therapy, based on a review of 19 studies with 565 participants.

While virtual reality shows promise, it did not demonstrate significant effects on grip strength or gait speed, indicating that more research is needed to fully understand its benefits in stroke recovery.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Cochrane review: virtual reality for stroke rehabilitation. Laver, K., George, S., Thomas, S., et al.[2022]

A review of 121 papers on virtual reality (VR) for post-stroke rehabilitation found that only 64% explicitly defined VR, highlighting a need for consistent terminology in the field.

The study developed a new taxonomy categorizing 16 mixed reality systems based on display type, information mixing, and input devices, which could improve communication and understanding of the efficacy and feasibility of different VR rehabilitation systems.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

The Use of the Term Virtual Reality in Post-Stroke Rehabilitation: A Scoping Review and Commentary. Huygelier, H., Mattheus, E., Abeele, VV., et al.[2023]

Citations

1. jhandtherapy.org jhandtherapy.org/article/S0894-1130(16)30022-9/fulltext

Virtual Reality-Based Dance Gaming Improves ... The purpose of this study was to examine the feasibility and quantify the effect of virtual reality based dance training on the paretic upper extremity ...

2. researchgate.net researchgate.net/publication/303798007_Virtual_Reality-Based_Dance_Gaming_Improves_Performance_on_an_Instrumented_Functional_Arm_Reach_Task_in_Community-Dwelling_Chronic_Stroke_Survivors

Virtual Reality-Based Dance Gaming Improves ... Virtual Reality-Based Dance Gaming Improves Performance on an Instrumented Functional Arm Reach Task in Community-Dwelling Chronic Stroke ...

3. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4500004/

Effects of virtual reality-based training and task-oriented ... This study suggested that virtual reality-based training might be a more feasible and suitable therapeutic intervention for dynamic balance in stroke patients.

4. sciencedirect.com sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2352914821000526

Effectiveness of virtual reality-based exercise therapy in ... This review provides evidence for the potential effectiveness of virtual reality-based exercise therapy for the improvement of rehabilitation outcomes.

5. pdfs.semanticscholar.org pdfs.semanticscholar.org/daa1/26043fcdec41deb11ec9327a0001494c473c.pdf

Does A Virtual Reality-Based Dance Training Paradigm ... A recent review evaluated the efficacy of virtual reality-based rehabilitation on balance and mobility disorders in stroke rehabilitation [11].

6. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5094257/

Does Virtual Reality-based Kinect Dance Training Paradigm ... The current study is the first to assess the effect of a virtual reality-based aerobic dance training paradigm on HRV among individuals with chronic stroke.

7. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10514431/

Effectiveness and safety of virtual reality rehabilitation after ... Systematic reviews of VR-based post-stroke interventions have shown that VR made be superior to23, 24, 25 or equal to, conventional therapy, engendering ...

8. jneuroengrehab.biomedcentral.com jneuroengrehab.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12984-025-01641-9

Patient-centered insights into virtual reality rehabilitation for ... This systematic review synthesizes qualitative evidence on stroke survivors' experiences with and participation in VRR to identify benefits, challenges, and ...

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

Virtual reality-based robotic training for lower limb ... VR-based robotic training was confirmed acceptable and safe. •. VR-based robotic training offers a novel approach for post-stroke rehabilitation ...

10. tandfonline.com tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/09638288.2021.1972351

Full article: Virtual reality gaming in rehabilitation after stroke VR gaming has been demonstrated to be effective as add-on therapy for improving upper limb function in chronic stroke [Citation1,Citation2, ...