Actively Recruiting
Measuring Biomarkers for Health in Community Environments: eMBraCE Activity Program; Short Term Effect of Using Non-immersive Gamified Exercises on Chronic Shoulder Pain in People With Chronic Stroke
Led by University of Exeter · Updated on 2025-04-16
30
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
8 weeks
Total Duration
On this page
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
Rehabilitation after a stroke is crucial to help reduce lasting disabilities. Researchers are studying how gamified, non-immersive exercises may affect shoulder pain, upper limb movement, and muscle activity in people who have had a stroke and experience chronic shoulder pain. This observational study aims to better understand how these exercises could support pain management and arm function in stroke survivors. The study compares two types of exercises: gamified non-immersive virtual reality exercises and video-based exercises. The gamified exercises include a 2-minute challenging game phase, while the video-based exercises involve replicating movements demonstrated in a 2-minute video with similar patterns. Both exercise types will be performed during the study sessions to observe their impact. Participants will undergo various assessments including measuring shoulder range of motion with motion capture technology, muscle activity with electromyography (EMG), brain activity using functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS), and pain intensity with a visual analog scale (VAS). Pain levels will be checked immediately before and after the exercises. Muscle activity and brain activity will be recorded during the interventions, which last about 20 minutes for brain activity and about 1.5 hours for muscle assessments. This detailed evaluation helps researchers understand how these exercises influence pain and arm function after stroke.
CONDITIONS
Brief Title
Short-term Effect of Using Non-immersive Gamified Exercises on Chronic Pain in People With Stroke.
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Experiencing motor difficulties in using the affected arm, with some use of hand or arm as assessed by a therapist
- Not participating in any other intervention studies
- Male or female aged 18 years or older
- Had a stroke with any degree of arm mobility
- Able to consent to participate
- Able to communicate adequately in English with the research team
- Mild or moderate shoulder or upper limb pain rated between 2 and 6 on the VAS scale
- Able to walk at least 10 meters without assistance
You will not qualify if you...
- Any medical condition that compromises safety or ability to participate, including poor vision or hearing, non-stroke related upper limb conditions, uncontrolled blood pressure or diabetes, or co-morbidities
- History of more than one epileptic seizure since stroke onset or uncontrolled seizures
- Unable to follow two-stage commands
- Moderate to severe hemi-spatial neglect affecting participation, as assessed by rehabilitation team
- Severe spasticity (more than 2 on the modified Ashworth scale)
- Having any device that prevents use of EMG or fNIRS, such as a deep brain stimulator or pacemaker
AI-Screening
AI-Powered Screening
Complete this quick 3-step screening to check your eligibility
Your Study Journey
Duration - 2 to 4 weeks
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial.
1 visit (in-person)
Duration - Approximately 1.5 hours
Participants complete non-immersive gamified virtual reality exercises or video-based exercises designed to assess short-term effects on chronic shoulder pain.
1 visit (in-person)
Duration - Same day as intervention
Pain levels, range of motion, brain activity, and muscle activity are measured immediately before, during, and after the intervention to assess short-term effects.
1 visit (in-person)
Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
Vsimulator
Exeter, Devon, United Kingdom, EX52GD
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
S
Shaghayegh Nayebi
H
Hatem Lazem
How is the study designed?
Study Type
OBSERVATIONAL
Masking
N/A
Allocation
N/A
Model
N/A
Primary Purpose
N/A
Number of Arms
1
Similar Trials
Frequently Asked Questions
Have more questions? Get in touch with our team for quick support
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