Virtual Reality Training Program for Ambulatory Patients With Chronic Gait Deficits After Stroke

Sheba Medical Center48 enrolled

Overview

The purpose of this study is to examine the feasibility and efficacy of a virtual reality program for ambulatory patients with mild-to-moderate chronic gait deficits after stroke.

Virtual reality (VR) systems enable the learning of simple and complex skills in a controlled virtual environment; i.e., one in which the different components (constraints) of the environment can be displayed, graded, changed and monitored in a quantitative manner. Small preliminary studies suggest that VR may be used to augment chronic stroke rehabilitation and may enhance cortical reorganization. Our aim is to examine the feasibility and efficacy of a virtual reality program for ambulatory patients with mild-to-moderate chronic gait deficits after stroke. Study design-a single center randomized controlled trial of an experimental group and a usual care group.

Study Type

INTERVENTIONAL

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

TREATMENT

Masking

NONE

Enrollment

Conditions

Stroke

Interventions

Virtual reality system (CAREN™ Integrated Reality System; MOTEK BV, Netherlands).DEVICE

Training 2/w for 9 weeks (total 18 sessions).

Eligibility

Sex: ALLMin age: 16 YearsMax age: 65 Years

Medical Language ↔ Plain English

Main Inclusion Criteria: * Stroke within 3-72 months. * Mild-to-moderate residual gait deficits after the index stroke with preserved capacity for ambulation without or with an assistive device (e.g., walker, cane) or orthotics (e.g. AFO). Main exclusion Criteria: * Unstable cardiac or other medical condition or aphasia, dementia or other significant neurological disease limiting ability to train.

Locations (1)

Sheba Medical Center, Strok Center

Tel Litwinsky, Ramat Gan, Israel