Virtual Reality-Integrated Propulsion Feedback for Stroke Rehab

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.

NCT Number	NCT07087743
Lead Sponsor	The University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston
Conditions	Stroke, Robot Assisted Gait Training, Virtual Reality
Enrollment	30 participants
Start Date	2025-07-25
Primary Completion	2026-12-27 (estimated)
Study Completion	2026-12-30 (estimated)
Updated on ClinicalTrials.gov	2026-04-01