Mirror therapy and augmented reality for stroke rehabilitation at home or clinic

AI summary

From the trial's eligibility criteria. Machine-read from the registry text on this page, so it can be wrong. The registry text below and the trial team decide who can take part.

The trial is looking for adults aged 20 to 80 who had a first stroke on one side of the brain at least 3 months ago and can still move the affected arm somewhat.

Age

20 to 80 years

Sex

Men and women

Disease stage

First-ever stroke on one side, at least 3 months ago. Some arm movement (FMA-UE score above 10). No severe stiffness in any joint of the affected arm (MAS below 3).

Earlier treatment

Not stated. People cannot take part in other studies during this study.

Main reasons for not taking part

• Acute inflammation
• Serious medical problems or poor physical condition that might harm study participation
• Severe vision problems or other major brain or nerve diseases
• Cannot follow instructions (Mini-Mental State Examination score below 22)
• Cannot stand in a step-standing position for 30 seconds or walk 10 meters, with or without a device

The registry criteria, word for word

Check if you might fit

Answer for yourself. This is not a decision: only the study team can say whether you can take part.

• Are you between 20 and 80 years old?YesNo

What the trial wants to find out

This proposed research is in line with the National Health Research Institutes (NHRI) Innovative Research Grant priority to address innovative treatment strategies for neurological disorders that are in desperate need of scientific scrutiny. Stroke is one of the major medical conditions that leads to long-term disability and causes a heavy health care and financial burden. To meet multiple needs of patients with stroke, hybrid interventions that combine different approaches and practices in different settings are needed based on the complexity of stroke. Our previous research funded by the NHRI has been published and translated to stroke rehabilitation. Extending our previous research, the investigators will study the benefits of novel rehabilitation regimens of mirror therapy preceding augmented reality as well as the effects of practice setting (i.e., clinic- vs. home-based settings). In line with the current trend for the development of mirror therapy, mirror therapy will be implemented based on the bilateral and unilateral approach. Augmented reality will be implemented as a means of exergaming with real-time feedback to motivate the patients with stroke for active participation. In addition, telehealth techniques will be used to monitor home practice. This research is innovative in the use of telehealth techniques that will meet the call for therapy outside of the clinical settings in the era of COVID-19 pandemic.

The 3 groups in the trial

• clinic-setting MT preceding AR-first groupTreatment being tested

  In the experimental group, the participants will receive clinic-based rehabilitation first. After a 3-week washout period, the participants will receive home-based rehabilitation.

  Treatment: mirror therapy and augmented reality (AR)

• home-based MT preceding AR-first groupExisting treatment, for comparison

  The comparison group will receive home-based rehabilitation first. After a 3-week washout period, the participants will receive clinic-based rehabilitation.

  Treatment: mirror therapy and augmented reality (AR)

• conventional therapy in the clinical settingExisting treatment, for comparison

  The control group will receive clinic-based rehabilitation, followed by clinic-based rehabilitative interventions. The participants will practice home-based program on a regular basis.

  Treatment: control therapy