Exergame-Based Upper-Limb Rehabilitation in Adults With Chronic Stroke

Marina Castel Sánchez

Status: Begins enrollment this month

Conditions: Chronic Stroke

Treatments: Behavioral: Exergame-Based Upper-Limb Training; Behavioral: Conventional Individual Rehabilitation

Study type: Interventional

Funder types: Other

Identifiers

NCT07423091

NEUROREAVIRTICTUS

Details and patient eligibility

About

This study is a randomized controlled trial designed to evaluate the effectiveness of a semi-autonomous upper-limb rehabilitation program based on exergames in adults with chronic stroke. Participants will be randomly assigned (1:1) to either an exergame-based intervention or an individually delivered conventional home-based therapy program. The primary outcome is upper-limb functionality as measured by the Action Research Arm Test (ARAT). Secondary outcomes include upper-limb motor function and quality of life. The study also examines adherence, usability, and the feasibility of remote monitoring for long-term implementation.

Enrollment: 32 estimated patients

Sex: All

Ages: 18+ years old

Volunteers: No Healthy Volunteers

Inclusion criteria

• Adults aged 18 years or older.
• Confirmed diagnosis of chronic stroke with more than 6 months of evolution.
• Ability to maintain independent sitting and standing (with or without assistive devices).
• Upper-limb functional capacity ranging from limited to moderate, defined as an ARAT score between 11 and 54 points.
• Ability to understand and follow simple instructions (Mini-Mental State Examination ≥ 23).
• Ability to provide informed consent personally or through a legal representative.

Exclusion criteria

• Acute illness, musculoskeletal pathology, or pain that interferes with the performance of rehabilitation exercises.
• Uncompensated sensory deficits, including significant visual or hearing impairments.
• Disruptive behavior or neuropsychiatric conditions that may limit participation.
• Active epilepsy or any medical contraindication to physical exercise.
• Botulinum toxin treatment affecting the upper limb within the previous 6 months.

Trial design

Primary purpose: Treatment

Allocation: Randomized

Interventional model: Parallel Assignment

Masking: Single Blind

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32 participants in 2 patient groups

Exergame-Based Rehabilitation

Experimental group

Description:

Participants assigned to the experimental group will complete a semi-autonomous upper-limb rehabilitation program based on exergames. The intervention includes task-oriented, progressive training targeting upper-limb motor function, visuomotor coordination, and cognitive engagement (e.g., attention, decision-making). Difficulty is adjusted individually based on performance, and sessions are remotely monitored by clinicians.

Treatment:

Behavioral: Exergame-Based Upper-Limb Training

Conventional Home-Based Rehabilitation

Active Comparator group

Description:

Participants in the control group will receive an individualized home-based upper-limb rehabilitation program delivered through conventional therapeutic exercises equivalent in duration and content focus (motor control, coordination, precision). The intervention is prescribed by a therapist and supervised periodically, without digital gaming components.

Treatment:

Behavioral: Conventional Individual Rehabilitation