Stroke
Conditions
Brief summary
This randomized clinical trial will examine upper limb rehabilitation in individuals recovering from stroke. The study will compare unilateral and bilateral task-oriented training approaches to determine their relative effectiveness. Thirty-two medically stable participants with active shoulder movement and adequate cognition will be enrolled into two groups. Both groups will receive structured training for four weeks. Outcomes related to motor function and dexterity will be measured using standardized assessment tools. The aim is to identify the more effective strategy for improving upper extremity function after stroke.
Interventions
PROCEDUREBilateral task oriented training (BTOT) with baseline EMS
Baseline: EMS applied to target muscles (depending on requirement of patient like wrist and finger extensors) with 15-20 minutes duration Treatment: Same tasks previous group, but performed by both upper limbs, simultaneously in a coordinated manner. Intensity, duration and task complexity matched with UTOT group to ensure comparability. Therapist provides cueing and feedback to maintain proper movement and progression. Sessions conducted 4 times/week for 4 weeks.
PROCEDUREUnilateral task oriented training (UTOT) with baseline EMS
Baseline: EMS applied to target muscles (depending on requirement of patient like wrist and finger extensors) with 15-20 minutes duration Treatment: Task oriented functional exercises performed only with affected arm. Task progress from simple to complex e.g. drinking form a cup, lifting a glass to 90° flexion of shoulder, polishing a table, and hair combing. Visual, verbal, or proprioceptive feedback provided to support motor learning. Sessions conducted 4 times/week for 4 weeks.
Sponsors
University of Faisalabad
Study design
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
PARALLEL
Primary purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
DOUBLE (Subject, Outcomes Assessor)
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
40 Years to 75 Years
Healthy volunteers
No
Inclusion criteria
* • Age between 40 and 75 years * Clinically diagnosed stroke (no more than three lifetime episodes) * Stroke duration between 6 to 24 months * Ability to perform antigravity shoulder movement with the paretic limb * Abbreviated Mental Test score ≥ 7 * Medically stable and capable of giving consent
Exclusion criteria
* • Uncontrolled systemic conditions (e.g. Unstable cardiac conditions) * Major orthopedic issues affecting the involved upper limb * Hearing deficits * Allergy to electrodes * Receptive aphasia or severe language impairment * Severe joint contracture limiting required upper limb movements
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Motor recovery and upper extremity function | Four weeks | Motor recovery and upper extremity performance will be assessed using Fugl-Meyer Assessment for Upper Extremity (FMA-UE). This scale assesses upper limb motor function by examining reflex activity, voluntary movements and movement synergy patterns. It allows systemic tracking of recovery over time. |
Secondary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Hand dexterity | Four weeks | Modified Box and Block test, a customized adaptation of the original test, will assess hand dexterity. It has been validated for use in individuals with stroke and demonstrates high reliability. It supports excellent test-retest reliability meaning strong consistency. |
Countries
Pakistan
Contacts
CONTACTDr Izza Ayub Principal Investigator
CONTACTDr Ayesha Principal Investigator
Outcome results
None listed