Could VR headsets help stroke survivors move again? small trial launches in ethiopia
NCT ID NCT07412899
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026
Summary
This study tests whether a virtual reality (VR) headset can help people who have had a stroke improve arm movement. Eighteen adults in Ethiopia will use the VR system for nine sessions over three weeks. Researchers will measure how usable and comfortable the system is, and also check arm function improvements.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- Virtual reality headset with immersive exercises
- What this could lead to
- If it works, this could point toward a low-cost, engaging way to improve arm function after stroke in low-resource settings.
- What could go wrong
- This is a very small feasibility study with only 18 participants, so results may not apply broadly. The VR system may cause discomfort or cybersickness, and it is not yet proven to improve recovery.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
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 18 people
The number the study aims to enrol. It can still change while the study runs.
- Started
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Dec 2025
- Expected to finish
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Apr 2026
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 months and older
- Sex
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Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
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Not accepted
This study is not open to healthy volunteers. The entry requirements below say who it is open to.
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: * Adults aged 18 years and older. * Diagnosed with ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke. * Stroke onset within the previous six months and more. * Presence of upper-limb impairment. * In the subacute or chronic stage of stroke recovery. * Medically stable at the time of participation. * Able to understand and follow instructions. * Adequate cognitive and visual abilities to interact with the AdaptRehab im VR system. Exclusion Criteria: * Diagnosed severe cognitive impairment. * Diagnosed significant visual impairment that interferes with imVR interaction. * Presence of a severe psychological or psychiatric disorder. * Any medical condition that would prevent safe participation in proposed AdaptRehab imVR * Not medically stable or unable to safely engage in AdaptRehab imVR (example age).
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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
1 site. The list below names each one and where it is.
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The official record
The full official record for this study. This one lists no contact details, but it is the first place any would appear.
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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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Ethiopia, Jimma University, Jimma University Teaching Hospital
Jimma, Oromiya, POBox : 378, Ethiopia
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