Immersive virtual reality with synchronous neurostimulation for upper-limb recovery after stroke: a randomized feasibility trial
Abstract
Stroke affects 15 million people annually and leaves 5 million permanently disabled. In the chronic phase (>3 months after stroke), patients often experience persistent sensorimotor deficits and altered body representation, yet rehabilitation delivery remains partial and inconsistent, highlighting an unmet clinical need. Immersive technologies and noninvasive neurostimulation offer potential for scalable, intensive rehabilitation, but clinical evidence supporting multimodal approaches and objective outcome assessments remains limited. In this study, we evaluate the feasibility, clinical efficacy and assessment capabilities of a multimodal platform (MultiSensy) integrating virtual reality with synchronous transcutaneous sensory neurostimulation. Thirty-four patients with chronic stroke were enrolled in a combined pilot study (n = 9) and randomized, 33-day-long feasibility study (n = 25), where MultiSensy intervention was evaluated against conventional rehabilitation. Primary endpoints included motor function assessed by Fugl-Meyer Assessment Upper Extremity (FMA-UE) and Action Research Arm Test (ARAT) and self-body representation assessed by the Body Landmark Test. Secondary outcomes included sensory and functional independence evaluation. Continuous kinematic data were collected to derive objective performance markers. Compared to conventional rehabilitation, MultiSensy resulted in greater motor improvement, reflected by higher FMA-UE (13.17 ± 1.30 versus 7.54 ± 1.48; P =…
How strong is the evidence?
Evidence Hub reads this as a randomized trial, done in people. Its evidence level is 3 of 5 (Moderate · trial / cohort / secondary analysis). Trials without a large randomized design, cohorts and secondary analyses give moderate evidence. Reported size: 25 participants or records.
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