DMD- Interactive Virtual Reality Study — DMD-IVR  

Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy Clinical Trial

Official title: Investigating the Viability and Acceptability of an Interactive Virtual Reality (IVR) System on Physiotherapy Rehabilitation in Paediatric Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) Patients

Status Active, not recruiting

Clinical Trial Summary

This study will help determine if an Interactive Virtual Reality system can improve the physiotherapy of young patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD).

Clinical Trial Description

Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) is a genetic disease causing muscle weakness and wasting affecting 2,500 people in the UK. International Standards of Care recommend that children with DMD undertake a daily stretching programme to maintain maximum muscle extensibility and optimise function. A lot of children are not motivated to perform these exercises, leading to earlier complications, reduced function and a poorer long-term prognosis. Our collaborative research group has previously developed an interactive Immersive Virtual Reality (IVR) system to improve the delivery, engagement and success of physiotherapy for adult amputees, burns' patients and children with upper limb injuries. VR headsets have become more accessible in terms of price, usability and portability. In a recent PPI survey, 78% of paediatric DMD patients stated that a VR system could improve physiotherapy engagement and performance. This study will investigate the feasibility and acceptability of an IVR device on paediatric DMD rehabilitation. In phase 1 of this study, clinicians, physiotherapists, parents, carers and patients will participate in a co-design workshop to explore core VR rehabilitation scenarios. An IVR platform will be developed that will emulate current DMD physiotherapy. In phase 2, investigators will ask therapists and children to take part in testing the IVR platform. VR scenarios will be further developed and then tested in a trial with 16 DMD patients aged 5-10 years. Pre and post-trial assessments will be performed to determine the effect of the IVR system on improving physiotherapy adherence, muscle strength testing, quality of life and anxiety. Qualitative interviews and questionnaires will be conducted with patients and clinical staff to obtain feedback on patient acceptability as well as practicality and acceptability of using IVR in a clinical setting. This study will help determine if an IVR system can improve the physiotherapy of young patients with DMD. ;

Related Conditions & MeSH terms

• Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy
• Muscular Dystrophies
• Muscular Dystrophy, Duchenne

• NCT number: NCT06274983
• Study type: Interventional
• Source: Sheffield Children's NHS Foundation Trust
• Status: Active, not recruiting
• Phase: N/A
• Start date: April 20, 2023
• Completion date: February 29, 2024