Virtual reality could restore natural arm swing in stroke survivors
NCT ID NCT07798388
First seen Sep 01, 2026 · Last updated Sep 02, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This study investigates how stroke affects arm swing during walking and whether real-time virtual reality feedback can help improve it. Researchers will measure muscle activity and movement in both stroke survivors and healthy adults to understand the differences. Participants will use a VR application that provides visual feedback on arm swing symmetry while walking. The goal is to find new ways to enhance rehabilitation, improve balance, and reduce the risk of falls.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- VR-feedback application providing real-time visual feedback on arm swing symmetry during walking
- What this could lead to
- If it works, this could point toward a new rehabilitation tool that helps stroke survivors walk with a more natural arm swing, improving balance and reducing fall risk.
- What could go wrong
- This is an early-stage study focused on understanding and feasibility, not a proven treatment. The VR feedback may not translate into lasting improvements, and some participants may find the headset uncomfortable or experience mild side effects.
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Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Phase
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Not a phased trial
Phase numbers describe drug development. The registry uses this when they do not apply, as it does for trials of devices, procedures or behaviour changes, and for observational studies.
- Participants
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About 93 people
The number the study aims to enrol. It can still change while the study runs.
- Expected to start
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Aug 2026
An estimate. Start dates often move.
- Expected to finish
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Jun 2028
An estimate. End dates often move.
- Lead sponsor
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Other sponsor
The registry's catch-all category, for sponsors it does not file as a company, a government agency, or a research network.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
- Ages
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18 years and older
- Sex
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Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
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Accepted
You do not need to have the condition being studied to take part.
Show the full entry requirements Hide the full entry requirements
Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria Stroke: * First-ever ischemic or haemorrhagic stroke * Able to walk independently (FAC ≥ 3) * Able to walk at least ten minutes * No full recovery of the paretic upper limb (FMA-UL \< 66) * Able to follow simple instructions during the assessment Exclusion Criteria Stroke: * Lesions located in the cerebellum * Pre-existing neurological disorders that affect motor function (e.g., Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, dementia, etc.) * Pre-existing orthopaedic disorders of the upper and/or lower limbs (e.g., shoulder prosthesis, knee prosthesis, etc.) * Inability to provide written informed consent * Inability to understand instructions (AbilityQ: verbal \< 3/4 and VAS \< 3/3) Exclusion Criteria Healthy: * Pre-existing neurological disorders that affect motor function (e.g., Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, dementia, etc.) * Pre-existing orthopaedic disorders of the upper and/or lower limbs (e.g., shoulder prosthesis, knee prosthesis, etc.) * Injuries of the upper and/or lower limbs that occurred six months or less prior to the time of testing * Current pain or ROM limitations at the time of testing * Inability to provide written informed consent
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
How to take part
Only the study team decides who joins. These are the ways to reach them.
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The places running it
3 sites. The list below names each one and where it is.
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The official record
ClinicalTrials.gov lists the study team's own contact details, including names and phone numbers. We don't republish those.
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A doctor treating you
A doctor who knows your case can contact a study site on your behalf, and can tell you whether this study is worth pursuing at all.
Contacts and locations
Locations
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UHasselt - Faculteit Revalidatiewetenschappen
Diepenbeek, 3590, Belgium
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Universitair Ziekenhuis Antwerpen
Edegem, 2650, Belgium
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University Hospital Ghent (UZ Gent), Belgium
Ghent, Oost-Vlaanderen, 9000, Belgium
More trials for these conditions
Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.
- Effects of transcranial direct current stimulation and pelvic proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation on trunk control, balance and functional mobility in stroke patients
- Correlation of visual and motor deficits in stroke patients
- Pilot study on the effects induced by an electromyographic-controlled functional electrical stimulator (FitFES) for upper limb rehabilitation in post-stroke patients
- Brazilian version of a behavior change intervention to support healthy lifestyle adoption after stroke - iVIDAVC: protocol for a pilot randomized study
- Determination of efficacy of sustained motor contraction generated using StimWave peripheral nerve stimulator
- Can a PET tracer reveal hidden brain inflammation?