RECRUITING

Virtual Reality-Integrated Propulsion Feedback for Stroke Rehab

Description

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.

Study Overview

Study Details

Study overview

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.

Virtual Reality-Integrated Limb Propulsion Visual Feedback System for End-Effector Robot-Assisted Stroke Rehabilitation

Virtual Reality-Integrated Propulsion Feedback for Stroke Rehab

Condition
Stroke
Intervention / Treatment

-

Contacts and Locations

Galveston

University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, United States, 77555

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 aged 20 years or older.
  • * For post-stroke participants:
  • * Diagnosis of stroke at least 1 month prior to participation.
  • * Able to walk at least 10 meters with or without assistive devices.
  • * Individuals with a life expectancy of less than one year.
  • * Comatose individuals.
  • * Individuals unable to follow three-step commands.
  • * Individuals with lower limb amputation.
  • * Individuals with poorly controlled diabetes (e.g., foot ulceration).
  • * Individuals with legal blindness.
  • * Individuals with progressive neurological conditions.
  • * Medically unstable individuals.
  • * Individuals with significant musculoskeletal impairments.
  • * Individuals with congestive heart failure or unstable angina.
  • * Individuals with peripheral vascular disease.
  • * Individuals with severe neuropsychiatric disorders (e.g., dementia, cognitive deficits, or severe depression).

Ages Eligible for Study

20 Years to

Sexes Eligible for Study

ALL

Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Yes

Collaborators and Investigators

The University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston,

Study Record Dates

2026-04-30