Can a video game help hospital patients regain muscle strength?

NCT ID NCT05258500

Completed Symptom relief Sponsor: Vrije Universiteit Brussel Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 24, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study tested whether the Ghostly app, which guides patients through strength exercises, could help hospitalized people with stroke, COVID-19, frailty, or muscle weakness. Fifteen participants used the app during their hospital stay. The goal was to see if it was practical and could improve muscle strength. This is an early feasibility study, so results are preliminary.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: Ghostly app (strength training exercises with optional blood flow restriction)
What this could lead to: If successful, this could provide a simple, app-based way to help hospitalized patients rebuild muscle strength during recovery.
What could go wrong: This is a very small feasibility study with only 15 participants, so results may not apply to everyone. The app is still experimental and not yet proven to work better than standard care.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

COVID-19 Frailty Muscle Weakness Sarcopenia stroke disorder

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

COVID-19 FRAILTY MUSCLE WEAKNESS SARCOPENIA STROKE

Contacts and locations

Locations

University Hospital Brussels

Brussels, 1090, Belgium
Vrije Universiteit Brussel

Jette, Brussels Capital, 1090, Belgium

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