Using Omnidirectional Virtual Reality and Treadmill Training for Chronic Stroke

What this study is about

The primary objective of this pilot randomized controlled trial (RCT) is to test the feasibility (consent rate, retention rate, participant burden, adherence, technical issues, safety) and usability (system usability scale, SUS) of Omnidirectional treadmill Virtual Reality training (omni-VR) among chronic stroke survivors. Our secondary objective is to (1) estimate the extent to which cognition, brain activation during a dual task activity, walking ability, and dynamic balance change after 3 months of training among intervention participants (omni-VR) and traditional exercise controls, and (2) estimate the extent to which health-related quality of life and motivation co-evolve with our secondary outcomes. Researchers will compare the intervention group and control group to evaluate the impact of omni-VR on cognition and physical function among stroke survivors. Participants will: * undergo a 45-minute training session 3 times per week for 12 weeks * intervention group: omni-VR * control group: traditional exercise program (strengthening and walking activities)

Who can join (things the study team will check)

✅ You may be able to join if…

• Age ≥ 18
• Stroke ≥ 6 months ago (confirmed with chart review)
• Living within 50 km of Halifax, Nova Scotia
• Functional Ambulation Category of 3 or greater on a scale of 0-5, to ensure the participant is able to walk with supervision or independently. This criterion was selected to ensure participants could safely participate in the intervention.
• Ability to participate in low-moderate intensity aerobic or strengthening exercise for ≥ 15 minutes to ensure participants can tolerate intervention sessions of 30-45 minutes, with activity breaks, in keeping with previous stroke rehabilitation studies.
• No uncorrected visual deficits or spatial neglect
• No cardiovascular, orthopedic, or neurological diseases other than stroke impacting walking or balance
• Can follow simple instructions
• Score of < 27 on the adapted Motion Sickness Susceptibility Scale-Short based on established normative values indicating more than moderate susceptibility to motion sickness.

🚫 You may not be able to join if…

• Unstable serious medical condition
• Resting blood pressure >180/100mmHg
• History of abnormal untreated heart rhythm
• Pregnancy
• Condition limiting ability to complete or tolerate the exercises without major program modifications (e.g., chronic low back pain)
• Serious comorbid condition that would affect participation in the intervention (e.g., active cancer, severe heart disease)
• Severe loss of hearing or speech that would preclude VR use
• Participant weight more than 264 lbs (weight limit for Virtualizer Elite 2 treadmill)
• Participating in another formal lower limb exercise program > 1 day per week
• History of QT prolongation or using potential QT prolonging drugs

Where this trial is running

• Nova Scotia Rehabilitation & Arthritis Centre, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada

Who to contact

Adria Quigley, PhD · 902-494-2734 · adriaquigley@dal.ca

It's completely normal to call and ask questions before deciding anything. Mention the study ID: NCT06495450.