Impact of Immersive Virtual Reality in Stroke Rehabilitation During the Acute Phase and Correlation With Blood Biomarkers and Genetic Polymorphisms

What this Trial Is About

Stroke is a leading cause of disability in adults, affecting upper-limb mobility. Researchers are evaluating whether adding immersive virtual reality (IVR) to conventional rehabilitation (CR) can improve motor function, functional status, and quality of life in stroke patients. This single-center, prospective, randomized, controlled, open-label trial with blinded endpoint assessment also explores how IVR affects neuroplasticity biomarkers and the role of genetic polymorphisms in recovery and rehabilitation outcomes. Participants will be adults diagnosed with ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke who have impaired upper-limb mobility and are entering an intensive conventional rehabilitation (ICR) program after hospital discharge. Patients are randomly assigned to receive either ICR alone or ICR combined with IVR therapy. Both groups begin with CR at the hospital followed by ICR at a rehabilitation center, with the intervention group also receiving IVR therapy during these phases. Throughout the one-year study, participants will be assessed at 3 and 12 months for upper-limb motor strength, functional independence, and quality of life. Blood samples taken at baseline and 12 months will be analyzed to identify neuroplasticity-related proteins, microRNAs, and genetic polymorphisms that may predict recovery or influence rehabilitation response. Safety and multiple functional measures will also be monitored during the trial.

IVR ON UPPER-LIMB REHABILITATION IN STROKE PATIENTS: A CLINICAL TRIAL