Implementation of VR for upper limb rehabilitation after stroke (v1)
Research type
Research Study
Full title
An evaluation of the implementation of an immersive virtual reality system (NeuroVirt) for optimising upper limb function after stroke.
IRAS ID
356727
Contact name
Kathryn Mares
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
James Paget University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (JPUH)
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 6 months, 29 days
Research summary
Stroke is a major cause of disability across the world. In the UK, more than 1.3 million people are living with the consequences of stroke. It can lead to loss of movement and paralysis of one side of the body. 77% of stroke survivors have problems using their affected arm which can lead to a reduced quality of life. Research evidence supports the use of intensive therapy for upper limb recovery but there is a mismatch between what is delivered in NHS services and the intensity required to promote recovery.
Technological innovation aimed at improving adherence to higher intensity self-therapy at home and in-hospital may increase the efficacy and efficiency of stroke rehabilitation. NeuroVirt is a commercially available product and comprises an immersive virtual reality (VR) platform that is designed to encourage high-dose arm training via fun and motivational games. Using a virtual reality headset stroke survivors can play games involving arm, wrist, hand, and finger movements.
Despite NeuroVirt's potential clinical utility there are several challenges to implementing this technology within NHS services. For this reason, this study aims to understand how to implement NeuroVirt within the NHS and which implementation strategies are likely to be useful in doing so. We will also carry out a health economics study to understand whether NeuroVirt could also save the NHS money.
We have recruited eight NHS sites who provide rehabilitation services for people with stroke either as an in-patient or an outpatient. During the study, we will carry out an initial observation phase to understand the usual care for people with arm problems after stroke. Following this, we will train clinical champions who will cascade the NeuroVirt training to their teams who will then implement NeuroVirt and we will evaluate how this goes via self-reported scales, focus groups, and interviews.
REC name
Yorkshire & The Humber - Sheffield Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
25/YH/0104
Date of REC Opinion
13 Jun 2025
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion