A pilot study investigating the feasibility of using Virtual Reality with “etee” on finger function in post-stroke survivors

Virtual Reality (VR) allows a person to interact within a virtual world through a device such as goggles or a hand controller. There is a small amount of research suggesting that VR can be useful in helping post-stroke patients build on the recovery of their muscle function. The purpose of this study is to examine how feasible & useful using VR is in relation to another method used to help improve finger function in stroke survivors.

Due to COVID-19 this study will be conducted virtually, there will be no face-to-face contact.

We are looking for individuals who:

• Are over 18 years old.
• Are able to give informed consent.
• Had a stroke over 3 months ago.
• Have reduced motor ability in one of their hands.
• Have reduced motor ability in their non-dominant hand (not the hand you used for writing before the stroke).
• Have access to the internet and are familiar with using a computer, or laptop.
• Understand and read English.
• Are not using the Nine-hole-peg test as part of their rehabilitation/ usual care.

Unfortunately, at this stage we are unable to include individuals with:

• Any significant visual problems
• A history of motion sickness.
• Aphasia (Aphasia is when a person has difficulty with their language or speech).

This is a small study to test the feasibility of using VR in the post-stroke population. If this technology shows promise, we hope to include participants from the above groups in the future.

If you think you fit the participant criteria and are interested in taking part, please contact Bethany Strong via email (Bethany.strong@southwales.ac.uk) for more details.

Click here to download the Participant Information Sheet.