Virtual Reality Effects on Dynamic Stability of Gait in Stroke Survivors: A Study Protocol of a Randomised Controlled Trial to Assess the Role of User Experience Publisher Pubmed



Mahmoodi T ; Memari A ; Seyedmirzaei H ; Sajadi S ; Keihani A ; Hojjatipour F ; Shahbazzadeh M ; Moradi V
Source: BMJ Open Published:2026

Abstract

Introduction: In recent years, virtual reality (VR) training has gained momentum in stroke rehabilitation for reducing falls by enhancing balance and stability. Objectives: VR interventions offer superior immersion, interactivity and creative engagement compared with conventional therapies. However, the precise mechanisms by which VR influences dynamic stability remain unclear. Moreover, there is currently limited information regarding user experience (UX) in this context. Methods and analysis: This study protocol outlines a randomised controlled trial designed to evaluate the effects of an immersive VR intervention on the dynamic stability of gait parameters in stroke survivors, incorporating an assessment of UX. Two groups of subjects will be enrolled in this study, including patients with a stroke within the previous 6–12 months who will receive (1) 3 weeks of immersive VR training (intervention) or (2) conventional rehabilitation (control).The primary outcome of the study will be dynamic stability measures and the UX. The secondary outcomes include anxiety and depression, fatigue, functional mobility, functional walking ability, static balance, fear of falling and adverse effects. All participants will be assessed at baseline, after 3 weeks and after 2 months of the initiation of the study. Ethics and dissemination: The study ethics were approved by the ethical committee of Tehran University of Medical Sciences (registration No IR.TUMS.NI.REC.1401.091, registered on 8 January 2023). Written consent is going to be taken from all of the participants. The study adheres to the principles outlined in the Declaration of Helsinki. Dissemination of study findings will occur through peer-reviewed publications and knowledge translation activities targeting clinicians, researchers and rehabilitation professionals. Data generated from this study will be anonymised and curated in accordance with institutional and national data protection standards Trial registration number: IRCT20231031059916N1. © Author(s) (or their employer(s)) 2026. Re-use permitted under CC BY-NC. No commercial re-use. See rights and permissions. Published by BMJ Group. This is an open access article distributed in accordance with the Creative Commons Attribution Non Commercial (CC BY-NC 4.0) license, which permits others to distribute, remix, adapt, build upon this work non-commercially, and license their derivative works on different terms, provided the original work is properly cited, appropriate credit is given, any changes made indicated, and the use is non-commercial. See: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/.