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HemiplegiaNCT07018336

Mirror vs Virtual Reality Therapy for Upper Extremity Function in Hemiplegic Patients

A study testing Mirror Therapy and Virtual Reality (VR) Therapy in people with Hemiplegia and Stroke, run by Istinye University at 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye).

Recruiting

Looking for participants now. Contact the study team or a site below to ask about taking part.

Sites and contacts
Official record
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Trial summary

Upper extremity impairment in hemiplegic patients significantly impacts daily activities and reduces quality of life. Although traditional rehabilitation methods can help, some patients experience limited progress. Read more about this study

Who is it for?
Ages 18 to 75 years
Conditions the study is for
Hemiplegia, Stroke, Upper Extremity Dysfunction
What is being tested?
Mirror Therapy and Virtual Reality (VR) Therapy
Type of treatment
Medical device
Could I receive a placebo?
No, everyone receives an active treatment
How many people
42 participants
Where
1 siteTurkey (Türkiye)
Study dates
30 May 2025to Jul 2026
Phase
Interventional
Are there results?
Not yet: the study is under way

Key requirements

Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.

  • Ages 18 to 75 years
  • All sexes
  • No healthy volunteers
  • Adult, Older adult

Who may be able to join

  • Hemiplegic patients in need of upper extremity rehabilitation.
  • Having had a stroke 6 to 12 months prior to the study.
  • Being at least Stage 3 for the upper extremity according to the Brunnstrom motor recovery stages.
  • Age range: between 18 and 75 years.
  • Individuals who volunteer to participate in the study.
  • Individuals who are cognitively suitable for mirror therapy and virtual reality applications (a score of at least 24 on the Mini Mental State Examination)

Who cannot join

  • Patients with severe spasticity (score ≥ 3 on the Modified Ashworth Scale)
  • Individuals with secondary neurological conditions (e.g., Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis).
  • Individuals diagnosed with vestibular dysfunction (as virtual reality equipment may cause issues like nausea or dizziness).
  • Individuals with communication issues, such as hearing or vision loss.

Trial locations and contacts

1 site in 1 country. Contact the study team or a site near you to ask about taking part.

Çiçek Günday, Asst. Prof. contact

+90 850 283 60 00

cicek.gunday@istinye.edu.tr

Maysaa Hamdy Othman Ibrahim, Physiotherapist contact

+90552709409

maysaahamdyothman.ibrahim@stu.istinye.edu.tr

Turkey (Türkiye)1 site, 1 recruiting
  • İstinye Üniversite Hastanesi Medical Park Gaziosmanpaşa

    Istanbul, Gaziosmanpaşa, 34065

    Specialist Dr. Mehmet Salih Baran, msbaran@gelisim.edu.tr

    Recruiting

Other trials in Turkey (Türkiye)

About this study

Official title: Comparison of the Acute Effects of Mirror Therapy and Virtual Reality Therapy on Upper Extremity Function and Performance in Hemiplegic Patients

Upper extremity impairment in hemiplegic patients significantly impacts daily activities and reduces quality of life. Although traditional rehabilitation methods can help, some patients experience limited progress. Recently, modern techniques such as mirror therapy and virtual reality (VR) have emerged, demonstrating promising results in motor skill improvement.

This study aims to directly compare the acute effects of mirror therapy and VR therapy on upper limb motor function in hemiplegic patients. Forty-two participants aged 18-75 with hemiplegia due to stroke (6-12 months post-stroke) will be randomly assigned to either mirror therapy or VR therapy. The evaluation includes motor function (Fugl-Meyer Assessment), spasticity (Modified Ashworth Scale), activities of daily living (Barthel Index), fine motor skills (Box and Block Test), proprioception, and reaction time.

The goal is to identify the effectiveness of the mirror therapy and VR therapy on motor function, spasticity control, proprioception, daily activity performance, and reaction times, contributing valuable insights to clinical rehabilitation practices.

Read the detailed description

This study aims to comprehensively investigate and directly compare the immediate neurophysiological and functional effects of two innovative neurorehabilitation techniques-mirror therapy and virtual reality (VR) therapy-on upper extremity motor function among patients with hemiplegia following stroke. A total of 42 participants diagnosed with hemiplegia post-stroke will be randomly assigned to either Group A or Group B. Each participant will receive a single, structured intervention session lasting 30 minutes, designed to promote immediate motor recovery through targeted neuroplasticity-enhancing tasks.

Group A : Mirror Therapy Protocol: Participants will be seated comfortably in a stable and ergonomically supportive chair. A mirror measuring approximately 40 cm by 50 cm will be strategically positioned along the mid-sagittal plane, effectively reflecting the unaffected limb and creating the visual illusion of bilateral symmetrical movements. This visual feedback aims to activate motor-related cortical regions within the affected hemisphere, thus enhancing immediate functional motor improvements. Participants will engage in structured therapeutic exercises, each carefully designed to target various aspects of upper limb motor function:

  • Reaching Task: Participants will perform reaching movements towards standardized objects positioned at varying distances and spatial orientations. They will complete 3 sets of 10 repetitions, progressively challenging their spatial accuracy, visual-motor integration, and motor planning skills.
  • Joint Range Movements: Participants will execute comprehensive movements involving finger flexion-extension, wrist flexion-extension, elbow flexion-extension, and shoulder flexion-abduction. Each movement will be repeated 10 times, systematically activating multiple joints and muscles to promote functional range of motion and coordination.
  • Grasp and Release Exercises: Participants will complete grasping and releasing tasks with objects of different sizes, textures, and weights. This task includes 3 sets of 10 repetitions designed to enhance tactile feedback, grip strength, fine motor coordination, and functional hand dexterity.

Group B: Virtual Reality (VR) Therapy: Participants in the VR group will utilize advanced virtual reality equipment, including high-resolution VR headsets and handheld controllers, immersing themselves in an interactive, three-dimensional virtual environment. This environment is specifically developed to simulate realistic and engaging scenarios, enhancing ecological validity, motivation, and patient engagement through multisensory stimulation. Therapeutic tasks in the VR environment will mirror those in the mirror therapy protocol to facilitate direct comparative analysis:

  • Virtual Reaching Tasks: Participants will perform interactive tasks, engaging in accurate reaching movements toward virtual targets displayed at various locations and distances within the virtual environment, emphasizing hand-eye coordination and spatial orientation.
  • Virtual Joint Movements: Virtual tasks will guide participants through movements involving finger flexion-extension, wrist flexion-extension, elbow flexion-extension, and shoulder flexion-abduction. Visual and auditory cues in the VR environment will enhance proprioceptive feedback and facilitate precise motor execution.
  • Virtual Grasp and Release Tasks: Participants will virtually grasp and manipulate various digital objects, practicing controlled grasp and release movements that mimic real-world functional tasks. Task complexity will vary to address different aspects of motor control, strength, and dexterity.

Assessment Methods: Objective and reliable clinical assessments will be conducted immediately before and after each therapy session to measure changes in motor function, muscle tone, sensory-motor integration, and functional independence. The assessments will include:

  • Motor Performance: Evaluated by the Fugl-Meyer Motor Assessment (FMA), providing comprehensive data on upper limb motor function.
  • Spasticity: Quantified using the Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS), providing reliable measurements of muscle tone.
  • Activities of Daily Living (ADL): Assessed with the Barthel Index to objectively measure functional independence and performance in daily activities.
  • Fine Motor Skills: Evaluated using the Box and Block Test, offering precise measurement of hand dexterity and coordination.
  • Proprioception: Evaluated using standardized joint position matching tasks, assessing sensory-motor integration and proprioceptive accuracy.
  • Reaction Time: Assessed via computerized Simple Reaction Time (SRT) testing, precisely measuring sensorimotor responsiveness and processing speed.

This multidimensional assessment approach ensures a detailed evaluation of the acute therapeutic impacts of each intervention. By systematically comparing the immediate effectiveness and therapeutic advantages of mirror therapy and virtual reality therapy, this study aims to generate evidence-based recommendations, contributing significantly to clinical decision-making processes and potentially optimizing rehabilitation strategies for individuals recovering from stroke-related hemiplegia.

Being tested
Mirror Therapy, Virtual Reality (VR) Therapy
Keywords
Stroke, Spasticity, Proprioception, Reaction Time
Medical subject headings
Hemiplegia, Stroke, Muscle Spasticity

What participants receive

What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.

  • Mirror TherapyOther

    Mirror therapy will be applied to the affected upper extremity by placing a mirror in the midsagittal plane to reflect movements of the non-paretic limb, creating the visual illusion of symmetrical bilateral movement. Participants will perform task-specific functional movements of the hand and arm (e.g., grasping, wrist flexion, and extension) while focusing on the mirror image.

  • Virtual Reality (VR) TherapyDevice

    Virtual reality therapy will be delivered using the Meta Quest 2 head-mounted display system. Participants will engage in interactive, task-specific upper extremity exercises designed to promote motor activation and functional movement of the affected limb through immersive visual feedback.

Study groups in NCT07018336
Study groupRoleWhat they receive
Mirror TherapyExperimentalParticipants will receive a single 30-minute session of mirror therapy applied to the affected upper extremity. The therapy will involve performing functional upper limb movements while viewing the mirror reflection of the unaffected limb to create the visual illusion of symmetrical bilateral movement.
Receives: Other: Mirror Therapy
Virtual Reality (VR) TherapyExperimentalParticipants in this group will receive a single 30-minute session of virtual reality-based upper extremity rehabilitation using a Meta Quest 2 head-mounted display. The intervention will consist of task-oriented, interactive exercises targeting shoulder, elbow, wrist, and hand movements. The session will be conducted under supervision to ensure safety and proper task performance.
Receives: Device: Virtual Reality (VR) Therapy

What is being measured

The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.

  1. Fugl-Meyer Assessment for Upper Extremity (FMA-UE)

    The Fugl-Meyer Assessment is a standardized and widely used tool designed to evaluate motor function, balance, sensation, and joint functioning in individuals with post-stroke hemiplegia. In this study, only the upper extremity motor domain will be used, which includes evaluation of movement, coordination, and reflex action of the shoulder, elbow, forearm, wrist, and hand. The assessment is scored on a 3-point ordinal scale: 0 (cannot perform), 1 (performs partially), and 2 (performs fully), with a maximum score of 66 indicating better motor recovery. Participants are seated or lying in a comfortable position during the test, and each movement is explained and demonstrated. The researcher scores the quality and completion of each movement. The FMA-UE is a valid and reliable measure of motor function and is widely used in stroke rehabilitation research

    Measured: Day 1

  2. Box and Block Test (BBT)

    The Box and Block Test (BBT) is a standardized assessment of unilateral gross manual dexterity. Participants are instructed to transfer as many wooden blocks as possible from one compartment of a box to the other within 60 seconds using one hand. The number of successfully transferred blocks is recorded as the score. The test is widely recognized for its simplicity, reliability, and sensitivity in detecting changes in motor function, especially in post-stroke patients. In this study, the BBT will be used to evaluate changes in upper extremity motor performance and coordination immediately before and after the intervention session.

    Measured: Day 1

Secondary outcomes (5)
  1. Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS)

    The Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS) is used to assess muscle spasticity by measuring resistance during passive soft-tissue stretching. It is a reliable clinical tool commonly used in neurological rehabilitation settings, especially in stroke patients. During the assessment, the target limb is passively moved through its range of motion, and the resistance to movement is rated on a 6-point scale ranging from 0 (no increase in muscle tone) to 4 (affected part rigid in flexion or extension). Participants are placed in a neutral and relaxed position during testing to ensure consistency. The evaluation will be conducted on the upper extremity muscles involved in voluntary function, and changes in MAS scores will be recorded to determine immediate effects of the intervention on spasticity levels.

    Measured: Day 1

  2. joint Position Sense Test (Proprioception Assessment)

    The Joint Position Sense Test assesses proprioceptive accuracy by evaluating a participant's ability to replicate specific joint angles with the opposite limb while blindfolded or with eyes closed. For this study, the test involves passive positioning of the affected upper limb at predetermined target angles (e.g., 60° and 100° of shoulder flexion), which participants will then attempt to match with the contralateral limb. The difference in angle reproduction is used as a measure of proprioceptive acuity. This method provides insight into sensorimotor integration deficits common in hemiplegic patients and will be used to assess changes before and after the intervention

    Measured: Day 1

  3. Simple Reaction Time (SRT) with BlazePod

    Simple Reaction Time (SRT) is a measure of how quickly an individual responds to a single stimulus. In this study, SRT will be evaluated using BlazePod light pods, which emit visual cues in a random sequence. Participants, seated comfortably with their hands resting near the pods, will be instructed to tap the lit pod as quickly as possible upon activation. The device records the reaction time in milliseconds. This test provides valuable information about the efficiency of sensorimotor integration and central processing speed. It is particularly relevant in stroke rehabilitation, where improvements in reaction time often correlate with better functional recovery.

    Measured: Day 1

  4. Global Rating of Change (GRC) scale

    The Global Rating of Change (GRC) scale is a subjective measure used to evaluate a patient's perceived improvement or deterioration in their health status over time. It is particularly useful in musculoskeletal and neurorehabilitation studies. In this study, participants will be asked to compare their current condition to their pre-treatment condition immediately after the therapy session. The version used includes a 5-point Likert scale ranging from -2 to +2, where: -2 = much worse, -1 = slightly worse, 0 = no change, +1 = slightly better, and +2 = much better. This simple, patient-centered outcome allows us to capture overall satisfaction and perceived effectiveness of the therapy from the patient's perspective.

    Measured: Day 1

  5. Barthel Index (Activities of Daily Living - ADL)

    The Barthel Index evaluates a patient's ability to perform basic activities of daily living (ADLs) independently. It assesses ten functional areas including feeding, bathing, grooming, dressing, bowel and bladder control, toilet use, transfers, mobility, and stair climbing. Each task is scored according to the level of assistance required, with a maximum total score of 100 indicating complete independence. The index is widely used in stroke rehabilitation to assess functional outcomes and monitor improvements over time. In this study, the Barthel Index will be administered before and immediately after the intervention to measure short-term functional changes in ADL performance among hemiplegic patients.

    Measured: Day 1

Timeline

From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.

  1. First posted12 Jun 2025
  2. Study start30 May 2025
  3. Primary completionJul 2026 (estimated)
  4. Study completionJul 2026 (estimated)

Resources

More details

For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.

Study design
Study type
Interventional
Phase
Phase N/A
Primary purpose
Treatment
Allocation
Randomised
Intervention model
Parallel groups
Masking
Single blind
Who is masked
Investigator
Enrolment
42 participants (estimated)
IDs, dates and publications
ClinicalTrials.gov ID
NCT07018336
Sponsor's protocol ID
07032025535
Status last verified
Feb 2026
First submitted
16 May 2025
Last updated
2 Mar 2026
Results posted
No
Data monitoring committee
No
FDA-regulated drug
No
FDA-regulated device
No
Individual data sharing
No

Questions about this trial

What is this clinical trial studying?

A study testing Mirror Therapy and Virtual Reality (VR) Therapy in people with Hemiplegia and Stroke, run by Istinye University at 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye).

The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.

Who may be eligible to take part?

The sponsor lists 6 inclusion and 4 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.

Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?

The record says: looking for participants now, as of the sponsor's last update on 2 Mar 2026. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.

Where is the study taking place?

The record lists 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye). Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.

What are the possible benefits and risks?

They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.

Are results available for this study?

This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.

How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?

Contact Çiçek Günday, Asst. Prof. (+90 850 283 60 00, cicek.gunday@istinye.edu.tr), or a site near the patient. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.

What does the primary outcome measure?

Fugl-Meyer Assessment for Upper Extremity (FMA-UE) (time frame: Day 1). The study lists 2 primary outcomes in all. It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.

Where can I read the original study information?
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?

No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.

How often is this information updated?

AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 2 Mar 2026.

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