VRehab-SMA Phase 1.2
This study is exploring a new virtual reality (VR) game designed to help young people with Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) do their exercises at home. SMA causes muscles to weaken, making daily activities difficult. While exercise is important, many young people with SMA don't get enough physical therapy due to limited resources and challenges in engaging children. The VRehab SMA device is a special virtual reality platform that uses games linked to your movements. The idea is to make exercises more enjoyable and easier for parents and carers to help with at home. This could lead to more consistent rehabilitation and potentially reduce the need for hospital visits for assessments. This first-stage study will gauge whether patients like using the technology and if it could be helpful.
At a glance
What is this study about?
Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) is a condition that causes muscles to become weak over time, which can make everyday activities like sitting or walking quite difficult. While there are now treatments that can help with SMA, getting regular exercise is still very important to help people maintain their strength and movement.
However, it can be hard for young people with SMA to get all the exercise they need. Sometimes there aren't enough physical therapists available, or it can be challenging to keep children, especially those with significant disabilities, interested in their exercise routines. This means many young people with SMA aren't getting as much exercise as is recommended.
That's where this new study comes in. Researchers are developing an exciting new virtual reality (VR) system, called the VRehab SMA device, specifically for young people with SMA. Imagine playing a video game where your movements are part of the game! This technology uses special sensors and gentle robotic feedback to turn exercises into fun, interactive games. The goal is to make exercising at home much more engaging and accessible, helping young people with SMA to get consistent rehabilitation and potentially reduce the need for frequent hospital check-ups.
Key takeaways
- New VR game for SMA exercise at home.
- Aims to make physiotherapy more fun and accessible.
- Could reduce need for hospital visits for assessments.
- Looking for young people with SMA, aged 6-18.
- Involves surveys or trying equipment in a lab.
- No new medications are involved in this study.
Who may be eligible?
This study is looking for young people with SMA, specifically those between 6 and 18 years old. There are two main groups in this study.
One group is for young people aged 12 to 18 with SMA, or their caregivers if the child is between 6 and 18. For this group, we need to make sure you or your caregiver can understand English well enough to answer questions in a survey.
The second group is for young people with SMA aged 6 to 18. For this group, you must have an official diagnosis of SMA, understand English, and be receiving treatment for your SMA. Your parents or guardians will need to give their permission for you to join, and children will also be asked if they are happy to take part.
Could this study suit you?
Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.
- Do you (or the young person you care for) have a confirmed diagnosis of SMA?
- Is the young person aged between 6 and 18 years old?
- Can you understand and speak English well enough for a survey or instructions?
- Are you (the young person) currently receiving treatment for your SMA?
- Are you or your parent/guardian willing to consider filling out a survey or visiting a lab to try new equipment?
What does participation involve?
This is a first-stage study, which means it's about seeing if the VR equipment is well-received and if it has the potential to help. If you're in the survey group (Cohort 1), participation simply involves answering questions about technology and exercise. If you're in the equipment testing group (Cohort 2), you'll visit a lab. There, you'll be asked to try out the VRehab SMA device – a virtual reality game controlled by your movements. The team will assess how easy it is to use and if it could benefit you. There are no medications involved in this study.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (1)
- Oxford UniversityVerified postcodeOxford, United Kingdom· Recruiting
Common questions
What is SMA?
SMA, or Spinal Muscular Atrophy, is a genetic condition that causes muscles to become weak and can affect movement.
What is the VRehab SMA device?
It's a new virtual reality (VR) system that turns exercises into fun games to help young people with SMA with their rehabilitation at home.
Will I have to take any new medicines?
No, this study does not involve taking any new medicines. It focuses on using a special VR game for exercise.
How long will my involvement in the study last?
The study involves either completing a survey or trying out the equipment in a single lab visit. It is not an ongoing treatment programme.
Who is running this study?
This study is being led by a team of researchers who are developing new ways for people with SMA to do their exercises.
How to find out more
Laurent Sevais, Professor
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Interested in taking part?
Discussion
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