This trial is enrolling individuals with incomplete spinal cord injuries to test the effect of visual illusion therapies in combination with conventional exercises on arm and hand function. Visual illusion therapy consists of seeing arm and hand movements projected onto a black surface covering the arms, with each session lasting 10 minutes. Researchers want to see if this technique can increase spinal cord adaptation (plasticity) that might improve recovery. If included, participants will undergo one of the following: 1) visual illusion therapy followed immediately by arm and hand exercises; 2) sham visual illusion therapy (projecting landscapes rather than arm movements) followed by arm and hand exercises; 3) visual illusion therapy alone; or 4) sham visual illusion therapy alone. Testing will include motor function and motor skills, upper limb isometric force, muscle activation, muscle tone, and quality of life. All interventions will last eight weeks, with final testing one month after the completion of therapy.
Type
Details
There will be four types of interventions: i. Visual Illusion (VI) and therapeutic exercise program (EP): the patient will be seated in a chair with a table in front of it. The front part of the trunk will be covered with a black blanket that will be attached to the table. On the table, the participant will see computer generated arms and hands projected performing different types of functional manual activities that will include mobility and strength tasks. The projected arms will be adapted to the dimensions of each subject so that the patient can recognize the projected arms as theirs. This program will last 10 minutes. Then a physical exercise program for the upper extremities will be carried out. ii. VI placebo and EP: the configuration of the work table will be the same as in real VI, although videos of landscapes will be projected on them without any type of human or animal movement appearing on them. This program will last 10 minutes. Afterward, a physical exercise program for the upper extremities will be carried out. iii. VI: only the visual illusion program will be carried out. iv. VI placebo: only the placebo visual illusion program will be carried out.
Main benefits
Arm/hand function
Additional benefits
General health
Mental health and psychosocial factors
Pain
Spasticity
Good to know: Potential benefits are defined as outcomes that are being measured during and/or after the trial.
Wings for Life has proudly initiated, led and funded the new version of the SCI Trials Finder website. Wings for Life aims to find a cure for spinal cord injuries. The not-for-profit foundation funds world-class scientific research and clinical trials around the globe.
Learn moreWings for Life has proudly initiated, led and funded the new version of the SCI Trials Finder website. Wings for Life aims to find a cure for spinal cord injuries. The not-for-profit foundation funds world-class scientific research and clinical trials around the globe.
Learn more