Investigating the Feasibility and Translational Therapeutic Benefits of Overground, Fully Immersive Virtual Reality (VR) Gait Rehabilitation Therapies for Stroke Survivors
Indiana University
Summary
The purpose of this study is to evaluate a new virtual reality (VR)-based rehabilitation program designed to help stroke survivors improve their walking abilities in real-world settings. By comparing immersive VR-assisted overground gait therapy to contemporary non-immersive, treadmill-based VR therapy (i.e., C-Mill), the investigators aim to determine its effectiveness in enhancing mobility and quality of life for stroke survivors.
Description
After obtaining consent and screening, eligible participants are randomized to the treatment or control groups. First, all participants are issued a wearable tracker to gauge baseline activity for at least 5 days. During the intervention phase, participants undergo 12 treatment sessions, 2x a week for 6 weeks. Assessments are conducted at pre-intervention, post-intervention, and 1-month followup.
Eligibility
- Age range
- 18+ years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- No
Inclusion Criteria: * Diagnosis: Anischemic or hemorrhagic stroke verified by imaging, confirmed by the patient's physician, and 1-6 months post-stroke (subacute phase) * Motor Impairment Level: Functional Ambulation Category (FAC) 3-5, showing moderate impairment while still allowing safe participation in gait tasks. * Cognitive Function: Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) score ≥ 24 or Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) score \>= 20, indicating sufficient cognitive function to participate in the study. * Exercise Clearance: Approval from a physician for participation in exercise- and VR…
Interventions
- DeviceWalk-over-Ground
Fully-immersive, real-world environments, overground gait therapy
- DeviceC-Mill VR+ by Motek
Semi-immersive, game-like environments, treadmill gait therapy
Location
- Indiana University Health, Neurorehabilitation & RoboticsIndianapolis, Indiana