Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS)VR-SHSNCT07610889
Effects of Motor Imagery Technique With and Without Virtual Reality on Pain Intensity ,Functional Disability and Quality of Life in Patient With Post Stroke Shoulder Hand Syndrome
A study testing motor imagery with virtual reality and motor imagery alone in people with Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) and Shoulder Hand Syndrome, run by Green International University at 1 site in Pakistan.
Trial summary
the current study is a randomized controlled trial comparing the effectiveness of motor imagery techanique with and without virtual reality on pain intensity , functional disability and quality of life for individual with post stroke shoulder hand syndrome . Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 40 to 70 years
- Conditions the study is for
- Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS), Shoulder Hand Syndrome
- What is being tested?
- motor imagery with virtual reality and motor imagery alone
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 40 participants
- Where
- 1 sitePakistan
- Study dates
- 2 Nov 2025to 6 May 2026
- Phase
- Interventional
- Are there results?
- None posted in the registry
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 40 to 70 years
- All sexes
- No healthy volunteers
- Adult, Older adult
Who may be able to join
- Post-stroke patients diagnosed with Shoulder-Hand Syndrome
- Age 40-70 years
- Both males and females
- Ability to understand motor imagery tasks
- Duration of stroke ≥ 3 months
Who cannot join
- Cognitive impairment
- Severe visual deficits
- Psychiatric illness
- Pain medication changes during study
- Uncontrolled medical conditions
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country.
About this study
the current study is a randomized controlled trial comparing the effectiveness of motor imagery techanique with and without virtual reality on pain intensity , functional disability and quality of life for individual with post stroke shoulder hand syndrome . this trial aims to evaluate pain , functional disability and overall quality of life . the primary outcome is pain reduction . while seconday outcome reduce disability and improve quality of life .the hypothesis is that the combination of motor imagery and virtual reality will result in significant greater clinical improvement compared to motor imagery alone .
Read the detailed description
Stroke continues to be one of the most common neurological causes of long term disability across the world. It often leads to a wide range of sensory, motor, and cognitive impairments that significantly reduce independence and quality of life. Among the various secondary complications that follow a stroke, Shoulder Hand Syndrome is considered one of the most painful and disabling conditions. It is described as a condition that presents with severe shoulder pain, hand edema, joint stiffness, reduced range of motion, and progressive functional decline. The condition is also known as Complex Regional Pain Syndrome Type One after stroke and it commonly develops within the first few months of the neurological injury. Estimates suggest that the condition affects between twelve to thirty percent of stroke survivors and is associated with marked disability if not treated in a timely and effective manner.Traditional physical therapy approaches such as range of motion exercises, manual therapy, strengthening, and functional task training remain the foundation of treatment. However, these interventions are often limited when patients experience severe pain or fear of movement, which prevents active participation. This has created a need for interventions that can stimulate the brain and support motor recovery without requiring significant physical effort or causing pain. One such approach is motor imagery. Motor imagery is described as the mental rehearsal of movement without any actual execution of the movement. During motor imagery practice, the individual imagines performing a movement as vividly as possible while staying in a relaxed state.hile traditional motor imagery has been widely studied, the use of virtual reality as an adjunct tool has expanded rapidly in recent years. Virtual reality based rehabilitation offers an immersive and engaging environment where the patient experiences visual and sensory feedback that closely resembles real movement. The use of virtual reality enhances motivation, increases concentration, and improves patient satisfaction during therapy sessions. Most importantly, virtual reality supports the activation of mirror neuron pathways and enhances sensory motor integration, which are critical components of recovery after a stroke.The intervention for both groups was delivered over a structured six week period. Each participant attended therapy three days per week, and every session last for a total of thirty minutes. This schedule is designed to provide consistent therapeutic exposure while preventing fatigue and allowing adequate recovery between sessions. By maintaining the same duration and frequency for both groups, the study ensured that any differences in outcomes can be attributed to the type of motor imagery intervention rather than differences in treatment time.
- Being tested
- motor imagery with virtual reality, motor imagery alone
- Keywords
- motor imagery, virtual reality, shoulder hand syndrome, post stroke, physiotherapy
- Medical subject headings
- Complex Regional Pain Syndromes, Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
motor imagery with virtual realityOther
participants will receive 30 minute intervention session .the integrated components consist of motor imagery and virtual reality followed by the application of affected arease
motor imagery aloneOther
participant will receive same 30 minutes session of specializes motor imagery techniques . no virtual reality sessions are included
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Motor imagery with virtual reality | Experimental | participants of shoulder hand syndrome received a combination treatment of motor imagery with virtual reality .both treatment options provided to improve motor function , reduce pain and improve quality of life . provide treatment of both motor imagery and virtual reality Receives: Other: motor imagery with virtual reality |
| motor imagery alone | Active comparator | participant in this arm will receive only motor imagery treatment protocol . the therapy will target shoulder and hand region to increse ROM , decrease stiffness and pain . Receives: Other: motor imagery alone |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
PAIN INTENSITY
numeric pain rating scale is used to measure pain by rating one to ten according to the severity of the pain .
scale level from 0 to 10
- means no pain 10 means higher level of pain
Measured: three session per week for sic weeks
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted28 May 2026
- Study start2 Nov 2025
- Primary completion29 Apr 2026
- Study completion6 May 2026
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Other trials for Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS)Studies of the same condition, open and under way.
- What the trial phases meanHow a treatment moves from first tests in people to approval.
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
- Model description
- the study uses a randomized , parallel group design in which participant diagnosed with post stroke shoulder hand syndrome are assigned into one of two intervention arms . partricipants were randomly allocated into two groups . (1) group one received only motory imagery treatment and second group received both technique motor imagery and virtual reality . the outcome accessor will be blinded to group assignment to minimize measurement bias .
- Masking
- Triple blind
- Who is masked
- Participant, Care provider, Outcomes assessor
- Enrolment
- 40 participants (actual)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Green International University
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Principal investigator, Muhammad Hammad khan, Green International University
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07610889
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- GIU/REC/26-33
- Acronym
- VR-SHS
- Status last verified
- May 2026
- First submitted
- 15 May 2026
- Last updated
- 28 May 2026
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- Yes: only ipd used in the results publication will be shared
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 28 May 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Effects of Motor Imagery Technique With and Without Virtual Reality on Pain Intensity ,Functional Disability and Quality of Life in Patient With Post Stroke Shoulder Hand Syndrome
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07610889
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- VR-SHS / GIU/REC/26-33
- Keywords
- motor imagery, virtual reality, shoulder hand syndrome, post stroke, physiotherapy
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Completed
- Enrolment
- 40 participants (actual)
- Lead sponsor
- Green International UniversityUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 2 Nov 2025 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 29 Apr 2026 (actual)
- Study completion
- 6 May 2026 (actual)
- First posted
- 28 May 2026 (actual)
- Results
- Not posted in the source record
Clinical summary
The research question as the sponsor registered it. This describes what the study plans to test, not what it found.
the current study is a randomized controlled trial comparing the effectiveness of motor imagery techanique with and without virtual reality on pain intensity , functional disability and quality of life for individual with post stroke shoulder hand syndrome . this trial aims to evaluate pain , functional disability and overall quality of life . the primary outcome is pain reduction . while seconday outcome reduce disability and improve quality of life .the hypothesis is that the combination of motor imagery and virtual reality will result in significant greater clinical improvement compared to motor imagery alone .
Detailed description
Stroke continues to be one of the most common neurological causes of long term disability across the world. It often leads to a wide range of sensory, motor, and cognitive impairments that significantly reduce independence and quality of life. Among the various secondary complications that follow a stroke, Shoulder Hand Syndrome is considered one of the most painful and disabling conditions. It is described as a condition that presents with severe shoulder pain, hand edema, joint stiffness, reduced range of motion, and progressive functional decline. The condition is also known as Complex Regional Pain Syndrome Type One after stroke and it commonly develops within the first few months of the neurological injury. Estimates suggest that the condition affects between twelve to thirty percent of stroke survivors and is associated with marked disability if not treated in a timely and effective manner.Traditional physical therapy approaches such as range of motion exercises, manual therapy, strengthening, and functional task training remain the foundation of treatment. However, these interventions are often limited when patients experience severe pain or fear of movement, which prevents active participation. This has created a need for interventions that can stimulate the brain and support motor recovery without requiring significant physical effort or causing pain. One such approach is motor imagery. Motor imagery is described as the mental rehearsal of movement without any actual execution of the movement. During motor imagery practice, the individual imagines performing a movement as vividly as possible while staying in a relaxed state.hile traditional motor imagery has been widely studied, the use of virtual reality as an adjunct tool has expanded rapidly in recent years. Virtual reality based rehabilitation offers an immersive and engaging environment where the patient experiences visual and sensory feedback that closely resembles real movement. The use of virtual reality enhances motivation, increases concentration, and improves patient satisfaction during therapy sessions. Most importantly, virtual reality supports the activation of mirror neuron pathways and enhances sensory motor integration, which are critical components of recovery after a stroke.The intervention for both groups was delivered over a structured six week period. Each participant attended therapy three days per week, and every session last for a total of thirty minutes. This schedule is designed to provide consistent therapeutic exposure while preventing fatigue and allowing adequate recovery between sessions. By maintaining the same duration and frequency for both groups, the study ensured that any differences in outcomes can be attributed to the type of motor imagery intervention rather than differences in treatment time.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Triple blind (participant, care provider, outcomes assessor)
- Number of arms
- 2
- Model description
- the study uses a randomized , parallel group design in which participant diagnosed with post stroke shoulder hand syndrome are assigned into one of two intervention arms . partricipants were randomly allocated into two groups . (1) group one received only motory imagery treatment and second group received both technique motor imagery and virtual reality . the outcome accessor will be blinded to group assignment to minimize measurement bias .
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Motor imagery with virtual reality | Experimental | Other: motor imagery with virtual realityparticipants of shoulder hand syndrome received a combination treatment of motor imagery with virtual reality .both treatment options provided to improve motor function , reduce pain and improve quality of life . provide treatment of both motor imagery and virtual reality |
| motor imagery alone | Active comparator | Other: motor imagery aloneparticipant in this arm will receive only motor imagery treatment protocol . the therapy will target shoulder and hand region to increse ROM , decrease stiffness and pain . |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 40 to 70 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Not accepted
- Age groups
- Adult, Older adult
Key inclusion criteria (5 listed)
- Post-stroke patients diagnosed with Shoulder-Hand Syndrome
- Age 40-70 years
- Both males and females
- Ability to understand motor imagery tasks
- Duration of stroke ≥ 3 months
Key exclusion criteria (5 listed)
- Cognitive impairment
- Severe visual deficits
- Psychiatric illness
- Pain medication changes during study
- Uncontrolled medical conditions
Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening; this overview does not establish that a patient qualifies. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Interventions
| Intervention | Type | Arms |
|---|---|---|
| motor imagery with virtual realityparticipants will receive 30 minute intervention session .the integrated components consist of motor imagery and virtual reality followed by the application of affected arease | Other | Motor imagery with virtual reality |
| motor imagery aloneparticipant will receive same 30 minutes session of specializes motor imagery techniques . no virtual reality sessions are included | Other | motor imagery alone |
Primary outcome
PAIN INTENSITY
Time frame: three session per week for sic weeks
numeric pain rating scale is used to measure pain by rating one to ten according to the severity of the pain . scale level from 0 to 10 o means no pain 10 means higher level of pain
Results and safety
The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 28 May 2026.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: Yes. only ipd used in the results publication will be shared
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Referral and contact
AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals. Contact the study team or a site listed below; they decide who can take part. This study is not recruiting at the moment.
The record lists no contact. Use the official record to reach the sponsor.
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing motor imagery with virtual reality and motor imagery alone in people with Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) and Shoulder Hand Syndrome, run by Green International University at 1 site in Pakistan.
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 5 inclusion and 5 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: finished, as of the sponsor's last update on 28 May 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 Pakistan. 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?
The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
The record lists no contact. The official record names the sponsor, who can be asked directly. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
PAIN INTENSITY (time frame: three session per week for sic weeks). 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 28 May 2026.