Virtual Reality-based Rehabilitation for Traumatic Hand and Wrist Injuries

  • STATUS
    Recruiting
  • End date
    Dec 31, 2026
  • participants needed
    40
  • sponsor
    University of Malaga
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Updated on 11 June 2026
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Summary

This randomized controlled trial aims to evaluate the effectiveness of immersive virtual reality (VR)-based Action Observation Therapy (AOT) as an adjunct to conventional rehabilitation in patients with traumatic wrist and hand injuries. Participants will receive standard rehabilitation treatment, and the intervention group will additionally undergo a six-week VR program involving observation and execution of functional hand and wrist movements. Outcomes related to hand function, grip strength, pain, proprioception, disability, and psychological factors will be assessed to determine the potential benefits of incorporating VR into rehabilitation programs.

Description

Traumatic injuries of the wrist and hand are among the most common musculoskeletal conditions and can result in substantial impairments in function, strength, dexterity, and quality of life. Conventional rehabilitation is effective but often relies on repetitive exercises that may reduce patient motivation and adherence over time.

Virtual reality (VR) has emerged as a promising rehabilitation tool by providing immersive, interactive, and task-oriented environments that enhance patient engagement and facilitate motor learning. In addition, Action Observation Therapy (AOT) is based on the activation of the mirror neuron system, whereby observing goal-directed movements may facilitate motor planning, cortical reorganization, and functional recovery.

The present randomized controlled trial will investigate the effectiveness of immersive VR-based AOT as a complementary intervention to conventional rehabilitation in patients with traumatic wrist and hand injuries. Participants receiving treatment at a specialized hand therapy unit will be randomly assigned to rehabilitation programs that include immersive VR sessions in addition to standard care.

The VR intervention will be delivered using Meta Quest Pro head-mounted displays and will consist of observation and subsequent execution of functional wrist and hand movements, including grasping, releasing, fine motor tasks, flexion-extension, and deviation movements. The intervention will be conducted twice weekly for six weeks, with approximately 45-minute sessions.

Outcome measures will include grip strength, pain, wrist function, upper-limb disability, proprioception, kinesiophobia, pain catastrophizing, and patient-reported hand function. Assessments will be performed using validated clinical instruments, including the Jamar dynamometer, Patient-Rated Wrist Evaluation (PRWE), Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand questionnaire (QuickDASH), Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia (TSK-11), Pain Catastrophizing Scale (PCS), Joint Position Sense (JPS), and Michigan Hand Outcomes Questionnaire (MHQ).

The study aims to determine whether the addition of immersive VR-based AOT to conventional rehabilitation improves sensorimotor recovery, functional outcomes, and patient engagement following traumatic wrist and hand injuries.

Details
Condition Wrist Injury, Hand and Upper Limb Trauma, Hand and Forearm Trauma, Muskuloskeletal Diseases
Age 18years - 75years
Clinical Study IdentifierNCT07633769
SponsorUniversity of Malaga
Last Modified on11 June 2026

Eligibility

 Yes No Not Sure

Inclusion Criteria

Adults aged 18 years or older
Diagnosis of a traumatic wrist and/or hand injury
Referred for rehabilitation treatment at the participating hand therapy unit
Ability to understand study procedures and provide written informed consent
Ability to participate in the virtual reality intervention

Exclusion Criteria

Previous injury affecting the same hand
Associated upper-limb conditions, including tenosynovitis or Dupuytren's disease
Previous surgery involving the affected hand before the current traumatic injury
Corticosteroid or other therapeutic injection in the affected hand within the previous 3 weeks
Any physical, neurological, visual, vestibular, or medical condition that prevents safe use of the virtual reality device
Inability to comply with the study procedures or assessments
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