NCT07487207

Effects of Augmented Reality Functional Integrated Training (AR-FIT) on Balance and Mobility in Stroke

• Status: Not Yet Recruiting
• Phase: N/A
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 78 (estimated)
• Sponsor: Riphah International University · Academic / Other
• Sex: All
• Age: 40 Years – 70 Years
• Healthy volunteers: Not accepted

Summary

The present study aims to develop and validate an evidence-based functional balance task library for Augmented Reality-Functional Integrated Training (AR-FIT), incorporating standardized real-object integration through expert consensus and pilot usability testing. Furthermore, the study seeks to determine the effects of AR-FIT on balance and functional mobility in stroke survivors in comparison to conventional Augmented Reality \& task oriented training over an eight-week intervention period. In addition, it intends to evaluate participant motivation, engagement, and perceived task realism during AR-FIT using structured questionnaires and post-intervention interviews, thereby examining both clinical effectiveness and user-centered experience outcomes.

Detailed description

Stroke remains a leading cause of long-term disability, with its burden rising sharply in low- and middle-income countries such as Pakistan. Despite advances in acute care, many survivors continue to experience persistent balance and mobility impairments that limit independence. While augmented reality (AR) based rehabilitation has shown promise in improving motor recovery and engagement, current AR systems often emphasize generalized or gamified tasks, offering limited opportunities for practicing functionally relevant, real-world movements. Therefore, the current study introduces an Augmented Reality-Functional Interactive Training (AR-FIT), designed to evaluate the feasibility and effectiveness of combining AR-guided feedback with real-object manipulation for post-stroke balance training. The objectives are threefold: first, to determine the feasibility and usability of AR-FIT as a balance training platform; second, to assess its impact on postural control, balance, and functional mobility compared to conventional AR training; and third, to explore patient motivation and engagement associated with tangible, ecologically valid tasks. By enhancing realism, sensory engagement, and functional relevance, this approach is expected to bridge the existing gap between digital rehabilitation technologies and the real-world demands of stroke recovery.

Conditions

• Stroke

Interventions

Type	Name	Description
OTHER	Augmented Reality-Functional Integrated Training (AR-FIT) Group	Each participant will receive a standardized intervention program consisting of 24 supervised training sessions delivered over 8 consecutive weeks (3 sessions per week, approximately 45 minutes per session). All sessions will follow a structured format including a 5-7 minute warm-up phase, a 30-35 minute task-specific training phase, and a 5-6 minute cool-down period. In Augmented Reality-Functional Integrated Training (AR-FIT) Group, participants will perform structured functional balance tasks integrating augmented reality with standardized real objects (e.g., chair, step, cup, basket, Swiss ball). Exercises will target lower limb motor control, dynamic balance, trunk stability, and task-oriented mobility. The task library will consist of progressively graded functional balance tasks.
OTHER	Augmented Reality-Generic Balance Training (GBT) Group	In the AR- based Generic AR Balance Training Group, participants will undergo augmented reality-based balance training without real-object integration. The intervention will include AR-guided weight shifting, virtual stepping, diagonal reaching, trunk control tasks, and tool-based stability exercises (e.g., virtual ball reaching, wobble-board simulations). Exercises will be selected from a structured pool of balance and mobility activities and will be progressed through virtual task difficulty, speed modulation, range of motion, and repetition parameters tailored to the participant's functional level.
OTHER	Conventional Balance Training (CBT) Group	In the Conventional Training Group, participants will receive therapist-guided task-oriented balance training based on standard neurorehabilitation principles. Exercises will include sit-to-stand practice, stepping and step-up training, weight shifting, lunges, trunk rotation, reaching activities, and functional mobility drills using real objects without augmented reality support. Task selection and progression will be individualized according to the participant's baseline motor function and clinical progress, with adjustments made in task complexity, repetitions, external support, and environmental challenge.

Timeline

• Start date: 2026-03-01
• Primary completion: 2027-12-20
• Completion: 2027-12-20
• First posted: 2026-03-23
• Last updated: 2026-03-23

Locations

1 site across 1 country: Pakistan