Can virtual games retrain the brain to restore balance?
NCT ID NCT07063810
First seen Aug 11, 2026 · Last updated Aug 12, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This trial tests whether a motor rehabilitation program using mixed reality games can improve postural stability (balance) in children and adults with neurological impairments, such as cerebral palsy, Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, or stroke. Participants will be randomly assigned to either the mixed reality protocol or conventional rehabilitation. The study measures changes in balance and walking ability to see if this playful, adaptive approach offers a meaningful advantage over standard care.
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 rehabilitation using perceptual-motor games (e.g., walking to collect objects, avoiding obstacles, catching virtual balls) delivered via a device.
- What this could lead to
- If effective, this approach could offer an engaging, adaptable way to improve balance and mobility in people with neurological conditions, potentially enhancing standard rehabilitation.
- What could go wrong
- This is a relatively small, early-stage trial. The benefits over conventional rehab are uncertain, and the technology may not suit all patients or translate to real-world improvements.
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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76 people
The number who actually took part.
- Started
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Jun 2025
- Finished
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Apr 2026
- 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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6 years 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: \- Adult patient (18 years old or older) with motor disorders related to a deficit in postural stability (mini-BESTest ≤ 25) which may be associated with a deficit in the use of upper limbs and locomotion, consecutive to : 1) either acquired neurological impairments (ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke in sub-acute or chronic phase, head trauma, benign tumor operated on with complete removal, cerebral anoxia) , or 2) a neurodegenerative affection (Parkinson's disease, Multiple Sclerosis). OR * Child or teenager patient (6 to 17 years old) with motor disorders related to a deficit in postural stability (mini-BESTest ≤ 25) which may be associated with a deficit in the use of upper limbs and locomotion, consecutive to 1) either spastic, dyskinetic or ataxic cerebral palsy, or 2) a similar impairment without diagnosis or of another etiology. * Patient able to walk with or without technical aids and to perform voluntary upper limb movements. * Patient able to understand and follow instructions or adapted communication. * Patient having given written informed consent concerning his/her participation in the protocol OR (for children) whose parents have given their written informed consent. * Patient covered by social security. Exclusion Criteria: * Patient with a severe intellectual disability. * Patient with a severe attention deficit disorder. * Patient whose epilepsy is not stable. * Patient with pain preventing participation in the intended tasks of the protocol. * Patient with an illness, medical condition or treatment incompatible with participation in the protocol. * Patient with multiple sclerosis with relapse less than 3 months old. * Simultaneous participation in other interventional research (1) that may exclude participation in the present study or (2) for which the exclusion period has not ended and whose nature may possibly impact the results of the present research. In addition, the vulnerable persons mentioned in Articles L. 1121-5, L.1121-6 and L.1121-8 of the French Public Health Code are excluded from the study: * Pregnant, nursing or parturient women. * Persons deprived of their liberty by judicial or administrative decision, hospitalized without consent or admitted to a health or social institution for purposes other than research. * Adults under legal protection or unable to express their 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.
Contacts and locations
Locations
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Continuing care and rehabilitation center (SSR) Les Monts d'Aunay
Aunay-sur-Odon, Normandy, 14260, France
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Institute of Motor Education (IEM) François Xavier Falala
Hérouville-Saint-Clair, Normandy, 14200, France
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La Musse Hospital
Saint-Sébastien-de-Morsent, Normandy, 27180, France
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Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Center (CMPR) for Children and Adolescents La Clairière
Hérouville-Saint-Clair, Normandy, 14200, France
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Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Institute (IMPR) du bois de Lébisey
Hérouville-Saint-Clair, Normandy, 14200, France
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