Investigation of the Effects of Visual-Motor Based Training on Upper Extremity Functions in Individuals With Stroke

Baskent University

Status: Enrolling

Conditions: Stroke

Treatments: Other: Control group; Other: Experimental group

Study type: Interventional

Funder types: Other

Identifiers

NCT07055945

BUAYKUL-001

Details and patient eligibility

About

The purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of visual-motor based training and physiotherapy program on upper extremity functions in individuals with stroke and to compare with physiotherapy program.

Full description

Stroke is a clinical syndrome characterized by the sudden onset of signs and symptoms due to a localized loss of cerebral function, in the absence of any apparent cause other than a vascular origin.More than 50% of patients experience various impairments and dependence on others following a stroke. One of the primary reasons for this condition is problems affecting the upper extremity.

The Light Trainer system allows for the repetitive and non-repetitive practice of an activity. It enables goal-oriented, active participation, providing an enjoyable experience that engages the whole body. The difficulty level can be adjusted and is tailored to the individual's response ability. With these features, it supports motor learning. Given these characteristics, the Light Trainer system is considered suitable for use in patients with sensory-motor-cognitive disorders, such as those with stroke, multiple sclerosis, and Parkinson's disease. A literature review reveals that task-oriented exercises and virtual reality are commonly used for visual-motor training; however, no studies have been found involving this new system

The first aim of this study is to investigate the effects of visual-motor based training and physiotherapy program on upper extremity functions in individuals with stroke and to compare with physiotherapy program.

The second aim of this study is to investigate the effects of visual-motor based training and physiotherapy program on cognitive functions and trunk in individuals with stroke and to compare with physiotherapy program.

Enrollment: 38 estimated patients

Sex: All

Ages: 18 to 75 years old

Volunteers: No Healthy Volunteers

Inclusion criteria

• At least 6 months have passed since the cerebrovascular event
• Aged between 18 and 75 years
• First-time stroke
• Scoring 24 or higher on the Standardized Mini Mental Test (SMMT)
• Upper extremity functioning at Stage 4 or above according to the Brunnstrom Staging
• Shoulder, elbow, wrist, and finger muscle tone at or below a score of 2 on the Modified ---Ashworth Scale (MAS)
• Shoulder joint range of motion of at least 120°
• Ability to stand independently

Exclusion criteria

• Presence of hemispatial neglect syndrome
• Ataxia due to posterior circulatory ischemia
• Bilateral involvement (bilateral hemiparesis)
• Botulinum toxin injection in the last three months
• Physiotherapy treatment within the last 6 months
• Orthopedic problems such as shoulder subluxation, shoulder pain, or contractures in the hand or wrist
• Previous upper extremity or thoracic surgery
• Vision problems related to stroke (hemianopsia)
• Color blindness

Trial design

Primary purpose: Treatment

Allocation: Randomized

Interventional model: Parallel Assignment

Masking: Single Blind

---

38 participants in 2 patient groups

Visual-motor based training and physiotherapy program

Experimental group

Description:

The physiotherapy group will take a physiotherapy program for 3 sessions per week, 60 minutes per day, for a total of 8 weeks. The program will consist of functional exercises for trunk, upper and lower extremities. In addition to the functional exercises individuals will receive visual-motor training targeting the upper extremity. This training will be conducted using the Light Trainer, a branded light-based training system. The light training system consists of 6 laser sensor-equipped blue, red, and green light emitters.The system is operated through a smartphone application.The training will utilize four different games, progressing from easy to difficult: Sequential, random standard, multiple light, and different color. Participants will receive training via a 12-minute session utilizing the Light Trainer device.

Treatment:

Other: Experimental group

Physiotherapy group

Active Comparator group

Description:

The physiotherapy group will take a physiotherapy program for 3 sessions per week, 60 minutes per day, for a total of 8 weeks. The program will consist of functional exercises for trunk, upper and lower extremities (same as experimental group). Functional reaching activities at the table in a sitting position, ball sliding on the wall in a standing position, touching different targets on the wall in a standing position and drawing shapes on the wall in a standing position will also added to the program.

Treatment:

Other: Control group