Video game could ease pain of hand therapy

NCT ID NCT07668115

First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026

Summary

This pilot study tests whether a mixed reality rhythm game called HoloRehab can reduce discomfort and improve motivation during hand therapy exercises. Twenty healthy adults will either play the game or do standard exercises while submerging their hand in cold water or using resistance bands. The study measures how long they can keep going and how much pain they report, aiming to see if the game makes therapy more tolerable.

What this could mean

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

Active substance

mixed reality rhythm game (HoloRehab) on Microsoft HoloLens 2

What this could lead to

If it works, this could point toward a more engaging and less painful way to do hand therapy exercises, potentially improving recovery outcomes.

What could go wrong

This is a very early pilot study with only 20 healthy participants, not patients. The results may not apply to people with actual hand injuries, and the game may not reduce pain or improve motivation as hoped.

Disclaimer Read more

This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.

Get updates

Get notified about this study

Sign up to get updates when this study changes or when new studies for ANALGESIA THROUGH MIXED REALITY are added.

Our safety recommendation!

By submitting, you agree to our Terms of use

As listed by the trial registrant

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

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • University of Western Ontario

    London, Ontario, N6A 3K7, Canada