Steps Toward Recovery: Walk in Virtual Reality for Stroke and TBI Therapy

P
Peter Altenburger

Primary Investigator

Steps Toward Recovery: Walk in Virtual Reality for Stroke and TBI Therapy
Recruiting
18 years or above
All
Phase N/A
60 participants needed
1 Location

Brief description of study

Could Virtual Reality (VR) Help You Walk Better? Join a Walking VR Therapy Study for Stroke and TBI Survivors and Help Us Find Out!

Researchers at Indiana University are studying how virtual reality (VR) therapy may help improve your walking.

We are inviting adults (18+) who have had a traumatic brain injury (TBI) or stroke to participate.

If you join, you will receive free physical therapy, which will include standard PT exercises as well as one form of VR exercise:

  • Walking over the ground while wearing a VR headset with realistic environments, OR
  • Walking on a treadmill with screen-based, game-like activities

Both types of therapy are designed to help improve how you walk and move in daily life.

Detailed description of study

What will you do?

  • Attend a screening visit to see if you qualify
  • Complete a baseline visit before therapy starts
  • Take part in 12 free therapy sessions (2 1-hour sessions per week for 6 weeks)
  • Return for 2 follow-up visits after therapy
  • Complete surveys and interviews about your experience
  • Wear a Fitbit during the study that you will keep upon study completion

All study visits and therapy sessions will take place at IU Health Neuroscience Center (Advanced Neurorehabilitation Research Lab) in Indianapolis, IN. Trained physical therapists and equipment (e.g. harness) will be present to ensure your safety.

Why join?

  • Receive 12 free therapy sessions
  • Keep the Fitbit used during the study
  • Be compensated with prepaid Visa cards for completing surveys, interviews, and assessments
  • Help researchers improve future treatments for people with TBI and stroke

Eligibility of study

You may be eligible for this study if you meet the following criteria:

  • Conditions: Traumatic brain injury, TBI, Stroke
  • Age: 18 years or above
  • Gender: All

Inclusion criteria:

  • Diagnosis of Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) or Stroke confirmed by a physician.
  • Difficulty Walking, showing a need for rehabilitation
  • Clearance for Exercise from a physician

Exclusion criteria:

  • Unstable Medication Regimens that might interfere with therapy routine
  • Conditions that Interfere with Walking, impeding gait training
  • Inability to Follow Instructions due to severe cognitive, visual, or hearing impairments
  • Recent Physical Therapy within the last month

Updated on 29 Jul 2026. Study ID: HRS-IIR-VR-GAIT-REHAB, 25423 (TBI); HRS-IIR-31406, 31406 (Stroke)

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