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Stroke is the leading cause of disability and the second cause of death worldwide. The increasing burden of stroke underscores the importance of optimising rehabilitation protocols. Virtual reality (VR) can improve poststroke prognosis. A VR software combining gamification, full immersion and stroke specificity (ie, the Development and validation of a novel viRtual rEality software for improving diSability and quality of lifE in patients with sTroke (RESET) software) might substantially improve disability and quality of life (QoL). However, this technology is still very scarce. The RESET trial aims to assess the effects of an early 10-week gamified, fully immersive and stroke-specific VR intervention (ie, starting at week 3 poststroke) on disability and QoL in people with stroke in the subacute phase. People with ischaemic or haemorrhagic stroke (n=94) aged ≥18 years will be randomised to receive (1) usual care (UC), (2) commercial VR or (3) gamified, fully immersive and stroke-specific VR (RESET). The three groups will receive UC (ie, three sessions/week of 90 min of standard rehabilitation). The VR groups will additionally receive three VR sessions of 20 min per week. The outcome measures will be assessed at baseline (week 2 from stroke occurrence), week 13 (approximately 90 days from the event) and week 26 (approximately 6 months from the event). The primary outcome is disability measured with the Barthel Index. Secondary outcomes include QoL, upper-extremity and lower-extremity motor function, gross manual dexterity, handgrip strength and cognitive function. This study will unravel the effects of a gamified, fully immersive and stroke-specific VR software on disability and QoL in patients with stroke in the early subacute phase.NCT06132399.

Introduction Chronic lower back pain is a highly prevalent medical condition in Western countries, which that incurs a considerable social and economic burden. Although prescription exercise at home for chronic pain has become a widely used alternative to reduce healthcare costs, the evidence regarding patient adherence and decreased in costs in European countries is scarce and inconclusive. The objective of this study is to examine the cost–utility and cost-effectiveness in patients with chronic lower back pain treated with the McKenzie Method and electroanalgesia via a telemedicine programme versus a face-to-face programme.Methods and analysis This study reports the protocol for a randomised, two-arm, multicentre, parallel controlled trial. A total of 540 patients with chronic lower back pain (onset time ≥3 months, Roland Morris Disability Questionnaire ≥4) will be recruited in three hospitals in Andalusia. Participants will be assigned to one of two groups (n=270, respectively) to receive electroanalgesia and Mckenzie method exercises through a telemedicine or a face-to-face programme. A total of 24 sessions will be administered three times a week for 8 weeks. Since the study design does not allow participant blinding, the outcome assessor and the statistician will be blinded. Use of helth care resources and costs due to work absenteeism will be captured and analysed. In addition, pain, intensity, fear of movement, quality of life and strength of the core muscle and anteflexion lumbar will be recorded at 2 and 6 months after the start of treatment.Ethics and dissemination Human Research and Local Ethics Committee of the ‘Hospital Complex Torrecárdenas of Almeria, University Hospital of Granada and Virgen Macarena de Sevilla Hospital—Andalusian Health Service’. Study findings will be released to the research, clinical and health service through publication in international journals and conferences.Trial registration number NCT04266366.