Virtual Reality Augmented Gait Adaptation in Stroke Survivors

Description

The major problem in stroke survivors that is being addressed in this research project is walking asymmetry, i.e., difference between the legs during walking (e.g. steps on the more affected side are longer than the other). A potential solution to this problem is using new technology like virtual reality during walking training to make stroke survivors have a better sense of their asymmetry. A second problem that we aim to address in this study is whether asymmetry is accurately felt by the stroke survivors and how we can address it. Our ongoing work on the effects of virtual reality on learning new walking tasks in stroke survivors indicates that virtual reality maybe particularly important for those with walking asymmetry. In this study, we plan to recruit stroke survivors who have such asymmetries during walking and have them learn a new walking task in virtual reality. We will also test the stroke survivors to determine if there is a relationship between how well they learn the new task with their ability to feel asymmetry accurately.

Conditions

Stroke

Study Overview

Study Details

Study overview

The major problem in stroke survivors that is being addressed in this research project is walking asymmetry, i.e., difference between the legs during walking (e.g. steps on the more affected side are longer than the other). A potential solution to this problem is using new technology like virtual reality during walking training to make stroke survivors have a better sense of their asymmetry. A second problem that we aim to address in this study is whether asymmetry is accurately felt by the stroke survivors and how we can address it. Our ongoing work on the effects of virtual reality on learning new walking tasks in stroke survivors indicates that virtual reality maybe particularly important for those with walking asymmetry. In this study, we plan to recruit stroke survivors who have such asymmetries during walking and have them learn a new walking task in virtual reality. We will also test the stroke survivors to determine if there is a relationship between how well they learn the new task with their ability to feel asymmetry accurately.

Virtual Reality Augmented Gait Adaptation in Stroke Survivors

Virtual Reality Augmented Gait Adaptation in Stroke Survivors

Condition
Stroke
Intervention / Treatment

-

Contacts and Locations

Omaha

University of Nebraska - Omaha, Biomechanics Research Building, Omaha, Nebraska, United States, 68182

Participation Criteria

Researchers look for people who fit a certain description, called eligibility criteria. Some examples of these criteria are a person's general health condition or prior treatments.

For general information about clinical research, read Learn About Studies.

Eligibility Criteria

  • * adults \> 21 years
  • * diagnosed with supratentorial ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke
  • * single, unilateral stroke
  • * stroke incident \> 3 months duration.
  • * ability to stand unsupported without an assistive device
  • * walk 10m without therapist assistance,
  • * ability to follow instructions (Folstein Mini-Mental exam score ≥ 24)
  • * recurrent stroke
  • * hip fracture
  • * myocardial infarction
  • * \< 20/40 corrected vision
  • * any condition that can affect walking ability to complete the experiment successfully (e.g. neglect, Parkinson's disease, vestibulopathy, peripheral nerve pathology).

Ages Eligible for Study

21 Years to

Sexes Eligible for Study

ALL

Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Yes

Collaborators and Investigators

University of Nebraska,

Mukul Mukherjee, PhD, PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR, University of Nebraska

Study Record Dates

2025-01