Not yet recruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

Virtual Reality in Occupational Therapy Upper Limb Stroke Rehabilitation

This study is exploring a new virtual reality (VR) system called Resynk, designed to help stroke survivors regain movement in their arm and hand. We want to understand how easy and effective it is to use, both in hospitals and in people's homes, including nursing and residential homes. Resynk offers engaging exercises that aim to make therapy more intensive and motivating. The study will gather feedback from stroke survivors and the healthcare staff who use it, to ensure it's a good fit for people's needs. This system will be used alongside standard care, not instead of it, to help improve recovery.

At a glance

Status

Not yet recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

eXRt Intelligent Healthcare

Enrolment target

Start

01 Jul 2025

Estimated completion

31 Dec 2025

Stroke

What is this study about?

This study is about a new way to help people who have had a stroke improve movement in their arm and hand. It uses a special computer system called Resynk, which works with virtual reality (VR). Imagine putting on a VR headset and playing games or doing tasks that help you move your arm and hand – that’s what Resynk offers. The main goal is to see if this VR system is practical and helpful for stroke survivors, whether they are in hospital or at home.

We want to understand how easy it is for both patients and healthcare staff to use Resynk. This includes looking at any challenges in setting it up or using it regularly, and gathering thoughts on how well it works and if it makes therapy more engaging. Previous experiences suggest that Resynk might make therapy more intense and keep people more interested, which is really important for recovery. It's crucial to remember that Resynk will be used as an *extra* tool alongside the usual care you receive, not to replace any existing rehabilitation services.

This study will involve two main groups: adult stroke survivors and Occupational Therapists. We'll ask about their experiences, and we'll also measure how much arm and hand movement improves. Our aim is to make sure that if Resynk is to be widely used, it's safe, effective, and genuinely helpful for those recovering from a stroke.

Key takeaways

Exploring new VR tech (Resynk) for stroke recovery.
Aims to improve arm and hand movement after stroke.
Used alongside your regular therapy, not instead of it.
Gathers feedback from patients and therapists.
Looks at how practical and engaging the system is.
You can stop participating at any time.

Who may be eligible?

To be part of this study, you would need to be an adult over 18 who has recently had a stroke (within the last 3 months). Your medical team must confirm that you've had a stroke, and you should be able to follow simple instructions. You also need to have some weakness or difficulty with movement in your arm or hand because of the stroke, and live within the Belfast health and social care area.

We would not be able to include you if your stroke happened more than 3 months ago, or if you are very unwell or have certain serious health conditions like uncontrolled blood pressure, unstable heart problems, or a history of seizures (unless it was childhood febrile seizures). If another clinical trial is already helping you with rehabilitation or a new medication, you might not be able to join this one. It's also important that you are willing and able to fully take part in the study activities.

For staff, you would need to be a qualified Occupational Therapist working in the stroke unit at Royal Victoria Hospital Belfast, or part of the Community Stroke Team in the Belfast Health and Social Care Trust, and be over 18.

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 over 18 years old?
Have you had a stroke confirmed by a doctor less than 3 months ago?
Do you have some difficulty moving your arm or hand because of the stroke?
Can you follow simple instructions?
Do you live in the Belfast health and social care area?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part, you would use the Resynk VR system alongside your usual rehabilitation. This involves doing interactive exercises designed to help your arm and hand movement. We will gather information before you start, during your time using Resynk, and afterwards, to see how things have changed. This will include answering some questionnaires about your experience and how you feel, and also doing some assessments of your arm and hand movement. The Resynk application itself will also record data on your progress. We will check in with you before, immediately after the period of using Resynk, and at a later follow-up to see how you are doing. The exact number of sessions and the total duration would be explained in more detail if you decided to join.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this study could potentially offer you an engaging and perhaps more intensive approach to your arm and hand rehabilitation, possibly improving your recovery. We will closely monitor your safety. Potential risks are generally low, but might include feeling tired, eye strain from the VR headset, or rarely, motion sickness. All VR use will be supervised in a clinical setting initially. You are completely free to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your usual medical care.

Locations (1)

Some site locations are approximate. We're improving this — please verify with the trial team before travelling.

Royal Victoria Hospital
Verified postcode
Belfast, United Kingdom

Common questions

What is 'virtual reality'?

Virtual reality (VR) uses special headsets to create a simulated world or environment that you can interact with, making you feel like you're really there.

Will this replace my usual therapy?

No, the Resynk VR system will be used *in addition* to your regular rehabilitation, not instead of it. Your usual care will continue as planned.

Do I need to be good with computers?

No, you don't need any special computer skills. The healthcare staff will guide you through using the Resynk VR system.

What if I feel unwell during the VR session?

You will be supervised during the sessions. If you feel unwell or uncomfortable at any point, you should tell the staff immediately, and the session can be stopped.

How long will I be in the study?

The study involves collecting information before you start, during the period you're using Resynk, and at follow-up appointments. The exact duration would be discussed with you upon joining.

How to find out more

Dominic Holmes, PhD

dominic@exrt.io 07514575765 Official trial record

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