Not yet recruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

Clinical Feasibility & Validation of the Augmented Reality GlenxRose Acquired Brain Injury Rehabilitation Programs

This study, called "GlenxRose," is testing new rehabilitation programs for people who have experienced a brain injury, like from a stroke or accident. Standard therapy can sometimes be a bit repetitive, and people might find it hard to stay motivated. This trial uses special virtual reality games and activities (called augmented reality, or AR) to make exercises more fun and engaging. The main goal is to see if these gamified therapies, developed by experts at the University of Alberta and Glenrose Rehabilitation Hospital, help patients stick with their rehabilitation, enjoy the process more, and ultimately lead to better recovery compared to traditional methods. Researchers will also look at how easy it is to use this technology in hospitals and what clinicians think.

At a glance

Status

Not yet recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

University of Alberta

Enrolment target

Start

01 Aug 2026

Estimated completion

31 Aug 2027

Acquired Brain Injury Stroke Traumatic Brain Injury

What is this study about?

Imagine your recovery exercises felt more like playing a fun game than a chore. That's the idea behind the GlenxRose study. When someone has had an acquired brain injury – that's a brain injury that happens after birth, like from a stroke or a head injury – getting better often means lots of practice and repeating specific exercises. Sometimes, people find these traditional exercises a bit boring or hard to stick with over time. If people don't do their exercises regularly, it can slow down their recovery and might mean they need more treatment.

This study is looking at a new, exciting way to do rehabilitation using something called "augmented reality" (AR). Think of AR as virtual elements blended into your real world, making exercises feel more like interactive games. The experts behind the GlenxRose program believe that by making therapy more engaging and fun, people will be more motivated to do their exercises regularly. This consistent practice is really important because it helps the brain to heal and relearn skills.

The researchers want to see if these game-like AR therapies can help people stick to their recovery plans better, enjoy their therapy more, and achieve improved results compared to the usual care. They will also be looking at how easy it is for hospitals to use this new technology and what the therapists think of it. It's all about finding new and better ways to support people on their journey to recovery after a brain injury.

Key takeaways

Exploring fun, game-like virtual reality for brain injury recovery.
Aims to make rehabilitation more engaging and improve motivation.
Could lead to better recovery outcomes compared to traditional care.
Developed by experts in Alberta, Canada.
Focuses on individuals with mild to moderate acquired brain injuries.

Who may be eligible?

This study is looking for adults who are receiving care at the Glenrose Rehabilitation Hospital in Edmonton, Canada, for a mild to moderate acquired brain injury. You would need to be able to understand and speak English well enough to follow instructions. You'd also need to have enough strength and movement in your arms and hands to comfortably use the AR headset, which the hospital staff would check.

There are certain situations where you wouldn't be able to join the study. For example, if you are a child, or if your brain injury is very severe. Also, if you have very severe confusion, agitation, or aggressive behaviour, or if you have significant problems understanding language or instructions, this study might not be suitable. People with a history of other serious brain or mental health conditions, substance misuse, or previous brain injuries would also be excluded. Lastly, if you have any physical problems that would make it difficult to interact with the AR device, you wouldn't be able to participate.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you an adult receiving care at Glenrose Rehabilitation Hospital?
Do you have a mild to moderate acquired brain injury (e.g., from stroke, head injury)?
Can you understand and speak English clearly?
Do you have enough arm and hand movement to comfortably use a headset?
Are you able to follow instructions without severe confusion or behavioural challenges?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you join this study, your rehabilitation therapy will include using special augmented reality (AR) games and activities in addition to the treatments you would normally receive. This means you'll be doing your usual recovery exercises, but some of them will be in a fun, interactive AR format. You'll work with occupational therapists who will guide you through the AR activities. The study will look at how well you stick to your exercises, how much you enjoy them, and how your thinking skills, movement, and overall recovery are progressing. The total duration of your participation will depend on your rehabilitation plan, but the AR therapy will be integrated into your regular sessions. You won't be given any new medications specifically for this study.

Potential risks and benefits

A potential benefit of joining this study is that the fun and engaging AR therapy might make your rehabilitation feel less tedious, potentially boosting your motivation and helping you stick to your exercises more consistently, which could lead to better recovery outcomes. However, as with any new technology, there might be minor risks like feeling a bit dizzy or eye strain, although these devices are generally designed to be comfortable. The researchers will closely monitor you. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your usual care.

Locations (1)

Glenrose Rehabilitation Hospital
Verified postcode
Edmonton, Canada

Common questions

What is an 'acquired brain injury'?

It's any brain injury that happens after you're born, not something you're born with. This can include injuries from strokes, accidents, or infections.

What is 'augmented reality' (AR)?

AR blends computer-generated images and sounds with your real-world view, like playing an interactive game that feels like it's happening around you.

Will this replace my current therapy?

No, the AR therapy is designed to be used alongside your usual clinical care, not instead of it. It's an extra tool to help your recovery.

Do I need to be good with computers to use AR?

Not at all. The AR system is designed to be easy to use, and your therapists will guide you through everything.

What are they hoping to learn from this study?

They want to see if making therapy more fun and engaging through AR helps people stick to their exercises, enjoy their recovery more, and get better results.

How to find out more

Adriana Rios Rincon, PhD, R.OT

aros@ualberta.ca 780.492.5150 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.