CompletedInterventional

Testing a new aphasia therapy for words and conversation delivered in the virtual world, EVA Park

This study looked into a new way to help people with aphasia, which causes communication problems often after a stroke. It was called the VESFA trial and used a virtual online world called EVA Park. The aim was to see if this therapy could help people find words, build sentences, share stories, and understand others better. The study also hoped to improve their overall well-being. Participants spent 8 weeks receiving sessions both individually and in groups within this virtual space. While this study has finished, it helps researchers learn more about how technology might support people with aphasia in the future.

At a glance

Status

Completed

Sponsor

City St George's, University of London

Enrolment target

Start

05 Oct 2020

Estimated completion

20 Apr 2021

Communication intervention for patients with aphasia

What is this study about?

Aphasia is a condition that often happens after a stroke and makes it hard for people to communicate. This means they might struggle to find the right words, put sentences together, tell stories, understand what others are saying, or have difficulty with reading and writing. Living with aphasia can be really challenging and can make daily life, socialising, and feeling good about yourself much harder.

Researchers and people affected by stroke have said that therapies are needed that can help with both the language difficulties and the wider impact on well-being. This study, called the VESFA trial, explored a new type of therapy. It was special because it used virtual reality technology, specifically a virtual online world called EVA Park. The idea was to see if this digital approach could offer a new way to help people improve their communication skills and feel better about themselves after a stroke.

The study aimed to see how well this new therapy worked. It compared people who received the new therapy (using EVA Park) with those who received usual care. By doing this, the researchers hoped to understand if the virtual world could be a helpful tool for people with aphasia to practise their language in a fun and engaging way, and to connect with others.

Key takeaways

The study explored a new online therapy (VESFA) for people with communication difficulties (aphasia) after a stroke.
It used a special virtual world called EVA Park to deliver the therapy.
Participants received 40 hours of therapy over 8 weeks, including individual and group sessions.
The study aimed to see if this therapy could help improve language and overall well-being.
It has now finished and is no longer recruiting.

Who may be eligible?

This study was for adults aged 18 or older who had experienced a stroke at least four months before the study started. A key part of qualifying was having communication difficulties (aphasia), especially problems finding words, because of the stroke.

You also needed to be able to understand basic information to take part, follow instructions in a virtual setting without someone always helping you face-to-face, and have a friend or family member nearby (in your household or support bubble) who could help with any technical computer issues.

It was important not to have other serious health problems that might prevent you from taking part, or severe sight or hearing issues that couldn't be corrected and would stop you from using a computer. The study was for people who spoke fluent English before their stroke.

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 18 years old or older?
Did you have a stroke at least 4 months ago?
Do you have problems finding words or speaking because of your stroke (aphasia)?
Can you understand basic instructions and information?
Do you have someone at home who could help if you had computer trouble?
Did you speak English fluently before your stroke?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you had joined this study, you would have received a special therapy for 8 weeks. This therapy involved spending time in a virtual online world called EVA Park, which is like a computer game where you can interact with others. During these 8 weeks, you would have had a total of 40 hours of treatment. These sessions would have included time working on your communication skills one-on-one with a therapist and also joining group conversations with other people in the study, all within the EVA Park environment.

Potential risks and benefits

It was hoped that taking part in this study could potentially help improve your language skills and overall well-being, though these benefits were not guaranteed. The study did not involve any medical risks. However, you would need to set aside a significant amount of your time (40 hours over 8 weeks), and some participants might have found the sessions tiring. You would always have had the right to leave the study at any time.

Locations (1)

City, University of London
Approximate
London, England

Common questions

What is aphasia?

Aphasia is a communication difficulty, often caused by a stroke, that makes it hard to speak, understand, read, or write.

What is EVA Park?

EVA Park is a virtual online world, like a computer game, where people in the study could practise their communication skills.

Was this a new medicine?

No, this study tested a new type of therapy using an online virtual world, not a new medicine.

Is this study still recruiting?

No, this study started in September 2020 and finished in February 2022, so it is no longer recruiting new participants.

Who paid for this research?

The study was paid for by the School of Health Sciences at City University of London in the UK.

How to find out more

Niamh Devane

niamh.devane.2@city.ac.uk +44 2070408821 Official trial record

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