What is this study trying to find out about stroke rehabilitation?

This study is investigating whether adding virtual reality to motor imagery brain-computer interface training can improve arm and hand movement after a stroke. Researchers want to know if this combined approach helps with daily activities and changes brain activity related to movement. The study is led by the Technical University of Lisbon to explore new rehabilitation methods.

Who may be eligible for this stroke clinical trial?

Adults aged 18 to 80 years with a confirmed stroke diagnosis causing upper limb weakness may be eligible. Participants must have moderate spasticity, be able to follow instructions, and currently be in rehabilitation therapy. Both men and women can join. Please review eligibility criteria for more details.

Is there any cost to participate in this stroke clinical trial?

Study-related care, including the study devices and all trial visits, is provided at no cost. However, personal travel and related expenses may vary and are not guaranteed to be covered. Participants should plan accordingly for any travel costs.

Actively Recruiting

Phase Not Applicable

Age: 18Years - 80Years

All Genders

ID07374276

Brain-Computer Interface With Virtual Reality in Upper Limb Rehabilitation After Stroke A Randomized Crossover Trial

Led by Technical University of Lisbon · Updated on 2026-02-03

Participants Needed

Research Sites

N/A

Total Duration

AI-Summary

What this Trial Is About

This research aims to evaluate whether motor imagery training combined with brain-computer interface BCI and virtual reality VR can improve arm and hand recovery after stroke. The trial focuses on understanding if adding immersive VR to BCI training enhances upper limb movement, daily activity performance, and brain activity related to movement. Researchers will compare this combined approach to standard motor imagery with BCI to assess any added benefits for stroke survivors. Participants will undergo two separate intervention periods in random order one involving motor imagery-based BCI training with immersive VR and multimodal feedback, and the other using motor imagery-based BCI with a cue-based visual protocol. Each intervention consists of three weekly sessions over six weeks, with a three-week gap between periods. Both training types use EEG-based BCI control, while the VR sessions involve an immersive headset and haptic controllers providing visual, auditory, and touch feedback. During the study, participants will complete four assessment sessionsbefore and after each intervention periodto measure changes in upper limb motor function and activity using clinical tests. Brain activity will be monitored through EEG during all intervention sessions to assess neural changes. The total study duration for each participant is up to 15 weeks, including both interventions and the washout period. Researchers will also explore participant experiences and individual factors influencing outcomes.

CONDITIONS

Brief Title

BCI With Virtual Reality for Stroke Rehabilitation: A Crossover Study

Who Can Participate

Age: 18Years - 80Years

All Genders

Eligibility Criteria

You may qualify if you...

Clinical diagnosis of stroke confirmed by neuroimaging with resulting upper limb hemiparesis
Time since stroke between 6 and 24 months at selection
Sufficient cognitive ability to understand and follow intervention procedures
Spasticity score less than 3 on the Modified Ashworth Scale in upper limb muscles
Adults aged 18 to 80 years
Ability to remain seated for about 2 hours
Motivation to participate and capacity to provide informed consent
Undergoing conventional rehabilitation therapy during the study period

You will not qualify if you...

Severe communication difficulties preventing comprehension or execution of instructions
Skin lesions, allergies, metal implants in the head area, or history of craniectomy that hinder electrode placement or EEG signal acquisition
Other neurological or musculoskeletal conditions affecting upper limb motor function
Other neurological, musculoskeletal, or psychiatric conditions that may affect participation or study outcomes (e.g., major depression, severe visual impairment, photosensitive epilepsy, frequent vertigo)
Upper limb impairment caused by a previous stroke separate from the current one

Research Team

Athanasios Vourvopoulos, PhD

Not the Right Trial for You?

Explore thousands of other clinical trials that might be a better match.
Sign up to get personalized trial recommendations delivered to your inbox.

Already have an account? Log in here