Virtual reality with brain stimulation to help arm recovery after stroke
Tests virtual reality arm training with brain stimulation in adults recovering from stroke.
Plain-language title generated from the registry record
Registry title: EMG Control Assistance Virtual Reality Interface Coupled With Cerebellar-iTBS for Arm Recovery After Stroke (ERICA)
Key facts
- Where
- Roma, ItalySee the site
Could this be for you?
Answer for yourself. This is not a decision: only the study team can say whether you can take part.
- Are you between 18 and 80 years old?
Source: NCT06911671, who can take part
Where in Italy
- IRCCS Santa Lucia FoundationRoma, ItalyTaking people
Questions to ask the study team
- How often do I need to come in, and for how long each time?
- Are travel costs paid?
- Can I keep my own doctor?
- What happens if I want to stop?
Trial details
- Who runs it
- I.R.C.C.S. Fondazione Santa Lucia
- Trial code
- NCT06911671
- Record updated
- 3 February 2026
- Original description
The investigators hypothesize that a myoelectric (EMG) controlled virtual reality (VR) interface allows for effective upper limb motor recovery of stroke patients. EMG control offers the possibility to alter visual feedback according to the recorded muscle activity in real-time. By manipulating the motion of a virtual hand associated with the recorded muscle patterns, assistance can be provided to stroke patients by correcting the error between the actual (dysfunctional) and a reference (functional) muscle pattern. Thus, through such an assistive EMG control algorithm, patients will be able to perform reaching movements with the virtual hand despite their motor impairment. By gradually reducing assistance, it is hypothesized that the salient error in the task space provided as visual feedback will systematically change the muscle patterns, thereby driving adaptation of the dysfunctional muscle patterns, enhancing motor recovery. Moreover, due to its relevant role in motor learning, it is expected that cerebellar stimulation will favor the underlying processes of adapting cerebello-cortical plasticity involved in motor learning. Therefore, it is hypothesized that an assistive EMG control algorithm in combination with cerebellar transcranial magnetic stimulation will further enhance upper limb recovery.Read full original descriptionShow less
Innovative Upper Limb Stroke Rehabilitation Approach Combining Myoelectric Control Assistance in Virtual Reality and Cerebellar TBS Plasticity Enhancement
The investigators hypothesize that a myoelectric (EMG) controlled virtual reality (VR) interface allows for effective upper limb motor recovery of stroke patients. EMG control offers the possibility to alter visual feedback according to the recorded muscle activity in real-time. By manipulating the motion of a virtual hand associated with the recorded muscle patterns, assistance can be provided to stroke patients by correcting the error between the actual (dysfunctional) and a reference (functional) muscle pattern. Thus, through such an assistive EMG control algorithm, patients will be able to perform reaching movements with the virtual hand despite their motor impairment. By gradually reducing assistance, it is hypothesized that the salient error in the task space provided as visual feedback will systematically change the muscle patterns, thereby driving adaptation of the dysfunctional muscle patterns, enhancing motor recovery. Moreover, due to its relevant role in motor learning, it is expected that cerebellar stimulation will favor the underlying processes of adapting cerebello-cortical plasticity involved in motor learning. Therefore, it is hypothesized that an assistive EMG control algorithm in combination with cerebellar transcranial magnetic stimulation will further enhance upper limb recovery.
Inclusion: First ever ischemic stroke with mild to moderate motor impairment of upper limb; Left or right sub-cortical or cortical lesion of the middle cerebral artery; Age>18, <80 years; No visuospatial, cognitive, or attention deficits; Fugl-Meyer score<56.
Exclusion: Treatment with Benzodiazepines, Baclofen; Intracranial metal implant; History of seizures; Cardiac pace-maker; Patients with neurological diseases beyond stroke or with neuropsychiatric disorders or with neuropsychological disorders that could potentially compromise informed consent or compliance during the study; Pregnancy status; Orthopedic upper limb limitation; Upper limb pain.