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Virtual Reality Rehabilitation for Stroke Patients in the Hospital and at Home.

This study is exploring if a low-cost virtual reality (VR) system can improve how people recover movement in their arm after having their first stroke. Researchers want to compare VR exercises with standard care to see if VR helps more with regaining arm function. They also want to find out if VR therapy is easy for patients to use and if they like it. The study involves adults over 18 who have had a recent stroke affecting their arm, both while they are in hospital and after they go home. Participants might use VR games designed to help their arm move better. The goal is to see if VR could be a practical and effective way to help more stroke patients get the therapy they need, especially in areas where there aren't many rehabilitation services.

At a glance

Status
Recruiting
Phase
NA
Sponsor
Nova Scotia Health Authority
Enrolment target
40
Start
15 Oct 2025
Estimated completion
01 Jun 2027
Stroke Acute

What is this study about?

Imagine using fun, specially designed computer games to help get your arm moving again after a stroke. That's what this study is all about! Researchers are testing a simple virtual reality (VR) system to see if it can help people who have recently had a stroke to recover movement in their arm and hand. They want to find out if this VR therapy works better than the usual care people receive, both when they are in hospital and after they've gone home.

The main aim is to discover two key things: first, if using VR can improve arm movement more than standard therapy; and second, if stroke patients find VR therapy easy, enjoyable, and helpful. The study will compare people who use the VR system with those who get standard therapy, looking at things like how much their arm movement improves and how they feel about their recovery journey. They're particularly interested in whether this VR approach could be useful for people in rural areas who might struggle to access rehabilitation.

Taking part would involve some assessments to check your arm movement and quality of life at different times. If you are in the VR group, you'd play games using the VR system that are designed to help you move your arm. You'd also be asked for your thoughts on the VR system – what you found easy, what was difficult, and if you enjoyed it. This feedback is really important to help understand if VR could become a good option for future stroke rehabilitation.

Key takeaways

  • Tests if virtual reality (VR) can help stroke survivors regain arm movement.
  • Compares VR therapy to standard care for arm recovery.
  • Recruiting adults over 18 who recently had their first stroke affecting arm movement.
  • Aims to find out if VR is effective, practical, and enjoyable for patients.
  • Could help make stroke therapy more accessible, especially in rural areas.

Who may be eligible?

This study is looking for adults aged 18 and over who have recently had their first stroke. Specifically, it's for those whose stroke has affected their arm and hand movement quite a bit, making it moderate to severe. You would need to be able to understand the study and agree to take part, or have someone legally able to do so for you if needed.

There are two groups being recruited: if you are still in hospital, it needs to be less than 5 weeks since your stroke and you must be at Valley Regional Hospital in Kentville, Nova Scotia, Canada. If you have been discharged home, it needs to be less than 3 months since your stroke and you need to live within an hour's drive of the same hospital.

You wouldn't be able to join if your stroke affected your brainstem, cerebellum, or both sides of your brain, or if you have another ongoing neurological condition like Parkinson's disease. Existing injuries that stop you from moving your arm, or uncorrected vision problems, would also mean you can't take part. They also can't include people with a condition called apraxia, which affects how you plan movements.

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.

  1. Are you 18 or older?
  2. Have you had your first stroke recently (within 5 weeks if in hospital, 3 months if at home)?
  3. Did your stroke affect your arm movement quite a bit (moderately to severely)?
  4. Can you understand information and agree to take part, or do you have someone who can consent for you?
  5. Do you live within an hour's drive of Valley Regional Hospital (if not in hospital)?
  6. Do you *not* have other severe conditions affecting your brain or arm movement?
Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part in this study, you would first have some tests to assess your arm movement and how these difficulties affect your daily life. These tests would be done at several points during the study to see how you are progressing.

If you are in the group receiving the VR therapy, you would participate in sessions using virtual reality. This involves playing special games designed to help you practice and improve your arm and hand movements. You would also be asked to give your honest feedback on your experience with the VR system – how easy it was to use, if it made you feel unwell (like motion sickness), and if you found it engaging. The total duration of your participation would depend on whether you are in the inpatient or outpatient arm of the study, lasting a few weeks to a few months.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this study may offer various benefits, such as potentially improving your arm movement and recovery after a stroke, and you would be contributing valuable information that could help many future stroke patients. You might also find the virtual reality therapy engaging and enjoyable. Possible risks are likely to be minor, such as mild discomfort from repeated movements or temporary feelings of motion sickness from the VR (which would be monitored). Your participation is completely voluntary, and you have the right to withdraw from the study at any time without giving a reason, and this would not affect your standard medical care.

Locations (1)

  • Valley Regional Hospital
    Verified postcode
    Kentville, Canada· Recruiting

Common questions

What is 'virtual reality' in this study?

It's like playing special computer games using a headset or screen that makes you feel like you're in a different world, helping you practice arm movements.

Will I definitely get the VR therapy if I join?

Not necessarily. Some participants will receive the VR therapy, and others will receive standard care, so researchers can compare the two treatments fairly.

What kind of arm problems should I have to take part?

You should have moderate to severe difficulty moving your arm after your stroke, not just very mild problems.

Do I have to live near the hospital?

Yes, if you've already left hospital, you need to live within about an hour's drive of Valley Regional Hospital in Kentville, Canada.

Could the VR make me feel sick?

Some people can experience motion sickness with VR, but this would be monitored, and you would provide feedback on your experience.

How to find out more

Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.

Interested in taking part?

Register your interest

Share your details and the research team for "Virtual Reality Rehabilitation for Stroke Patients in the Ho…" will contact you if you may be eligible. Always speak to your GP before agreeing to take part.

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