Virtual Reality Mirrors Therapy Usability

Abant Izzet Baysal University

Status: Enrolling

Conditions: Healthy; Stroke

Treatments: Other: Sham Virtual Reality; Other: Conventional Mirror Therapy; Other: Virtual Reality Mirror Therapy

Study type: Interventional

Funder types: Other

Identifiers

NCT07039136

AIBU-FTR-RK-11

Details and patient eligibility

About

Mirror therapy has been shown to support motor recovery by stimulating neural mechanisms through visual feedback. Recent technological advancements, particularly in virtual reality (VR), have enabled the development of more immersive and interactive rehabilitation tools. This study focuses on evaluating the usability of a novel, Leap Motion-based Virtual Reality Mirror Therapy (VRMT) system designed to enhance upper limb rehabilitation in stroke patients by combining traditional mirror therapy principles with engaging, gamified digital environments.

Full description

The VRMT system was developed to provide a low-cost, sensor-based rehabilitation tool that enables stroke survivors to engage in interactive upper limb exercises. Utilizing the Leap Motion sensor for real-time hand tracking, the system projects mirrored movements of the unaffected limb onto a virtual representation of the affected limb, reinforcing motor learning and neuroplasticity. The system includes multiple gamified tasks that simulate functional hand and arm movements within a virtual environment. Participants with subacute or chronic stroke used the system across several sessions, after which usability and user experience were assessed using standardized tools such as the System Usability Scale (SUS) and User Experience Questionnaire (UEQ). This approach allows for detailed feedback on comfort, satisfaction, interaction quality, and perceived effectiveness, contributing to future development and clinical integration of VR-based rehabilitation technologies.The aim of this study is to evaluate the usability, acceptability, and user experience of a Leap Motion-based Virtual Reality Mirror Therapy (VRMT) system designed to support upper limb rehabilitation in individuals with stroke. By integrating traditional mirror therapy principles with immersive virtual environments, the study seeks to determine the feasibility of using this system in clinical and home-based rehabilitation settings.

Enrollment: 172 estimated patients

Sex: All

Ages: 18 to 60 years old

Volunteers: Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Inclusion criteria

• Stereo acuity score of 3552 arc/sec in the Titmus Fly Test
• No prior virtual reality experience

Exclusion criteria

• Severe sensory impairments (vision or hearing)
• Being diagnosed with neurological disorders

Trial design

Primary purpose: Other

Allocation: Randomized

Interventional model: Parallel Assignment

Masking: Single Blind

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172 participants in 2 patient groups

Virtual Reality Mirror Therapy Group

Experimental group

Description:

Participants will receive virtual reality mirror therapy using head-mounted devices.

Treatment:

Other: Virtual Reality Mirror Therapy

Sham Group

Sham Comparator group

Description:

Participants will receive conventional mirror therapy with mirror box and then experience mirrored hand activities in virtual reality environment.

Treatment:

Other: Conventional Mirror Therapy

Other: Sham Virtual Reality