Virtual Reality-Integrated Propulsion Feedback for Stroke Rehab
Trial statusRecruiting
Trial phaseNot applicable
Trial typeInterventional
Biological sexAll
Age20+
SponsorThe University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston
About this trial
This study evaluates a novel Virtual Reality (VR)-integrated visual feedback system designed to enhance limb propulsion during robot-assisted gait rehabilitation in individuals post-stroke. In collaboration with CUREXO, a rehabilitation robotics company, the system is embedded within the Morning Walk® end-effector robot and provides real-time visual feedback to facilitate symmetrical use of the paretic and non-paretic limbs. The goal is to address gait asymmetry commonly observed in hemiparetic stroke survivors by promoting improved paretic leg propulsion, which is a key contributor to forward movement during walking.
A total of 30 participants (15 stroke, 15 healthy controls) aged 20 years or older will undergo single-session gait training using the VR-robot system. Participants will be assessed using spatiotemporal gait parameters, muscle activity, foot pressure, and vertical ground reaction forces. Additional safety measures-including a saddle-type weight support and real-time heart rate monitoring via smartwatch-are implemented to ensure a safe and controlled training environment. This study aims to test the feasibility and effectiveness of this VR-based system in improving gait symmetry and functional walking capacity in people recovering from stroke.
Eligibility criteria
This trial accepts healthy volunteersQualifiers
Adults aged 20 years or older.
Diagnosis of stroke at least 1 month prior to participation.
Able to walk at least 10 meters with or without assistive devices.
Disqualifiers
Individuals with a life expectancy of less than one year.
Comatose individuals.
Individuals unable to follow three-step commands.
Individuals with lower limb amputation.
Trial design
Design model
Parallel
Treatments tested in this trial
VR-Based Gait Training with End-Effector Robot
BehavioralA single-session gait training protocol using the Morning Walk® end-effector robot with real-time virtual reality visual feedback to encourage paretic limb propulsion and symmetrical gait. This intervention is intended to study participants' behavioral and biomechanical responses to the VR feedback, not to evaluate the robot as a device.
Treatment groups
30 Participants
are divided into 2 treatment groupsGroup A: Post-Stroke GroupExperimental treatment 1 intervention
Group B: Healthy GroupExperimental treatment 1 intervention
Trial outcomes
Primary outcomes
1
Change in Spatiotemporal Gait Symmetry using the Zeno Walkway GaitMat
Spatiotemporal gait parameters will be collected using the Zeno Walkway GaitMat before and after a single session of VR-based gait training. Gait spatiotemporal parameters will be calculated from the ratio of step lengths (paretic/non-paretic in stroke group; left/right in healthy group). The step length will be compared pre- and post-training.
Time frame
Baseline (pre-training) and immediately post-training (same session)Secondary outcomes
1
Change in Peak Propulsive Force (Paretic vs. Non-Paretic Limb)
Ground reaction forces and foot pressure data will be collected using the Tekscan In-Shoe system during walking trials. Ground reaction force from each foot will be compared pre- and post-training
Time frame
Baseline and immediately post-training (same session)2
Change in Lower Extremity Muscle Activity
Bilateral lower extremity muscle activity (e.g., tibialis anterior, soleus) will be recorded using Delsys wireless EMG sensors. EMG data during walking will be analyzed to detect neuromuscular adaptation after VR-based gait training.
Time frame
Baseline and immediately post-training (same session)Sponsors and contacts
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Source ClinicalTrials.gov