Virtual Reality-Integrated Propulsion Feedback for Stroke Rehab
Sponsored by The University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston
About this study
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.
Introduction and Purpose: People with hemiparetic stroke often exhibit gait asymmetry due to reduced propulsion from the paretic leg. This contributes to overreliance on the non-paretic leg and leads to inefficient, energy-consuming walking patterns. Traditional rehabilitation, including robot-assisted gait training, typically emphasizes repetitive motion but lacks a specific focus on propulsion, limiting its potential to promote neuroplasticity and symmetrical gait. To address this limitation, the research team has developed a Virtual Reality (VR)-based visual feedback system that delivers real-time, individualized cues aimed at improving paretic limb propulsion. This system is integrated into the Morning Walk® end-effector rehabilitation robot developed by CUREXO. By encouraging active…
Where this study is enrolling
- Call 409-747-1617
University of Texas Medical Branch
Galveston, Texas
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Who can participate
Inclusion 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.
- ✓For healthy participants:
- ✓° Must walk independently without assistive devices.
Exclusion criteria
- ✕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).
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Trial data sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov.