Virtual Reality in Occupational Therapy Upper Limb Stroke Rehab
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Pilot study: Patient and Staff Acceptability of a Virtual Reality Platform (Resynk) used during Upper Limb Rehabilitation after Stroke
IRAS ID
359246
Contact name
Emma Dunn
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
EXRt Intelligent Healthcare
Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 5 months, 31 days
Research summary
The study aims to assess the feasibility of using Resynk, a virtual reality (VR) software platform for upper limb rehabilitation for stroke survivors, both in acute hospital settings and in the community (home, private nursing home, residential home). Resynk offers interactive, task-oriented training that enhances therapy intensity and patient motivation. Previous findings from a Quality Improvement project showed significant increases in treatment intensity and patient engagement with Resynk. This study will explore barriers to Resynk implementation and gather input from staff participants and stroke survivors to ensure successful integration and effectiveness.
Resynk will be delivered alongside standard care, with no intention to delay or reduce existing rehabilitation services. The study involves two participant groups —adult stroke survivors and Occupational Therapists. These represent realistic and appropriate user groups for this stage of implementation research. A control group is not included, as the primary aim is not comparative effectiveness but to assess feasibility and user experience.
This study will use a exploratory approach to using qualitative methods for gather insight into safety, acceptability and usability such as the System Usability Scale and custom design Safety and Acceptability Interview with both stroke survivors participants and staff participants. For the stroke survivors participants only, qualitative methods will also be used to evaluate quality of life through the EQ-5D-5L. Quantitative methods will also be used for evaluating rehabilitation and function outcomes this includes data collected by the Resynk application and the standardised Fugl Meyers assessment. The study will involve pre, post and follow up data collection for both participant groups.
REC name
HSC REC A
REC reference
25/NI/0106
Date of REC Opinion
27 Aug 2025
REC opinion
Unfavourable Opinion