About this trial
The primary objective of this pilot randomized controlled trial (RCT) is to test the feasibility (consent rate, retention rate, participant burden, adherence, technical issues, safety) and usability (system usability scale, SUS) of Omnidirectional treadmill Virtual Reality training (omni-VR) among chronic stroke survivors. Our secondary objective is to (1) estimate the extent to which cognition, brain activation during a dual task activity, walking ability, and dynamic balance change after 3 months of training among intervention participants (omni-VR) and traditional exercise controls, and (2) estimate the extent to which health-related quality of life and motivation co-evolve with our secondary outcomes.
Researchers will compare the intervention group and control group to evaluate the impact of omni-VR on cognition and physical function among stroke survivors.
Participants will:
* undergo a 45-minute training session 3 times per week for 12 weeks * intervention group: omni-VR * control group: traditional exercise program (strengthening and walking activities)
Eligibility criteria
Qualifiers
Age ≥ 18
Stroke ≥ 6 months ago (confirmed with chart review)
Living within 50 km of Halifax, Nova Scotia
Functional Ambulation Category of 3 or greater on a scale of 0-5, to ensure the participant is able to walk with supervision or independently. This criterion was selected to ensure participants could safely participate in the intervention.
Disqualifiers
Unstable serious medical condition
Resting blood pressure >180/100mmHg
History of abnormal untreated heart rhythm
Pregnancy
Trial design
Treatments tested in this trial
- Omnidirectional Virtual Reality and Treadmill Training
- Traditional Exercise
Treatment groups
Sponsors and collaborators
Nova Scotia Health Authority
Lead sponsor
Dalhousie University
Sponsor institution
Brain Canada
Collaborator