Augmented Reality for Stroke Rehabilitation

Overseen By Anouk Lamontagne, Associate Professor

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: McGill University

Disqualifiers: Visual acuity, Visual field, Cognitive, others

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

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 1

Duration: 1 session

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial aims to determine if augmented reality (AR) can improve walking in stroke survivors. Participants will test two types of real-time visual feedback: one uses an avatar (a digital character) to demonstrate the correct step length, and the other uses visual bars. The trial will assess which method more effectively improves balance and walking symmetry. It is open to individuals in the early recovery phase after a single stroke, who can walk for at least 2.5 minutes but have uneven step lengths. By testing these innovative tools, the trial seeks to advance stroke rehabilitation. As an unphased trial, this study offers participants a unique opportunity to contribute to pioneering research that could enhance stroke recovery methods.

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 augmented reality for stroke rehabilitation is safe?

Research has shown that augmented reality (AR) in stroke rehabilitation is generally safe and well-tolerated. Studies have found that AR can help stroke survivors improve movement skills by providing real-time feedback. This feedback allows users to adjust their movements during therapy, leading to better results.

Patients using AR in rehabilitation have reported few side effects. The most common are mild discomforts, such as slight dizziness or eye strain, similar to what one might feel after prolonged computer use. However, these effects are temporary and usually resolve quickly.

Overall, AR is considered a promising tool for stroke recovery, with a good safety record based on current research. Participants in similar studies have found the technology engaging and easy to use, with minimal risk of serious side effects. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Researchers are excited about using augmented reality (AR) for stroke rehabilitation because it offers real-time visual feedback, which is not available in traditional therapies. Unlike standard treatments that rely on repetitive physical exercises and therapist guidance, AR can provide immersive, interactive experiences that engage patients more effectively. This approach could enhance motivation and adherence to rehabilitation programs, potentially leading to better recovery outcomes. Additionally, the immediate feedback from AR systems allows for more precise movements, which can accelerate the rehabilitation process.

What evidence suggests that augmented reality is effective for stroke rehabilitation?

Studies have shown that augmented reality (AR) can greatly aid stroke recovery, especially when combined with traditional therapy. Research indicates that AR enhances both physical and mental recovery and boosts motivation. Specifically, AR proves effective in leg rehabilitation, improving balance, and reducing walking issues. This trial will explore the feasibility of two types of real-time visual feedback using AR. Such feedback may yield better results than traditional treatments alone. Early findings suggest that AR in stroke recovery could improve step length and balance, potentially lowering the risk of falls. ^{1 3 6 7 8}

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for adults aged 18 to 65 who have had a stroke and are in the subacute phase, experiencing gait asymmetry. It's not suitable for those outside this age range or those without post-stroke spatial asymmetry.

Inclusion Criteria

I had my first stroke in the brain area above the tentorium between 14 days and 6 months ago.

I can walk for at least 2.5 minutes with or without help.

My walking steps are uneven.

Exclusion Criteria

Participants with visual field deficits (Goldmann or computerized perimetry)

Participants with abnormal or non-corrected visual acuity (EDTRS < 50/20)

Participants with cognitive impairment (Montreal Cognitive Assessment score < 22)

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Treatment

Participants perform walking trials in an AR environment with real-time visual feedback to improve gait symmetry

1 session

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

• Feasibility of Two Types of Real-Time Visual Feedback

Trial Overview

The study tests two augmented reality feedback systems designed to improve walking symmetry after a stroke: an avatar-based system and visual bars. Participants will walk under these conditions to see which helps more.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: Participant Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

McGill University

Lead Sponsor

Trials

421

Recruited

1,017,000+

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.

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.

3.

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.

4.

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.

5.

onlinelibrary.wiley.com

onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/jocn.17730?af=R

The Effects of Augmented Reality on Rehabilitation ...

Augmented reality technology is helpful for lower-limb rehabilitation of stroke patients, especially in terms of balance.

6.

sciencedirect.com

sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2589537023003978

Effectiveness and safety of virtual reality rehabilitation after ...

Effectiveness and safety of virtual reality rehabilitation after stroke ... real-time and augmented feedback about their performance through multiple sensory ...

7.

clinicaltrials.gov

clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT07113093

The Effects of Augmented Reality Versus Virtual Reality

This randomized controlled trial aims to compare the effects of augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR)-assisted treadmill gait training on balance ...

8.

currents.neurocriticalcare.org

currents.neurocriticalcare.org/Leading-Insights/Article/virtual-reality-for-neurorehabilitation-mechanisms-modalities-and-clinical-applications

Virtual Reality for Neurorehabilitation: Mechanisms, Modalities ...

Advanced VR platforms can capture real time kinematic data, allowing for immediate feedback and task adjustment. This closed-loop system can ...