Ischemic Stroke
Conditions
Keywords
augmented cues, stroke rehab, hand function, musical gloves, upper extremity rehabilition, grip strenght
Brief summary
This study aims to investigate the effect of adding augmented cues to conventional physical therapy intervention on hand function in patients with post-stroke hemiparesis. Fifty patients with subacute ischemic stroke will be randomly assigned to either a study group receiving augmented cue-based training in addition to conventional physical therapy or a control group receiving conventional physical therapy alone. Hand function will be assessed before and after the intervention period using the Nine-Hole Peg Test (NHPT), hand grip strength measured by a dynamometer, and pressure pain threshold measured by a pressure algometer. The findings of this study may provide evidence regarding the effectiveness of augmented cue-based rehabilitation strategies in improving hand function after stroke.
Detailed description
Stroke is one of the leading causes of long-term disability worldwide and frequently results in impaired hand function, reduced dexterity, decreased grip strength, and limitations in activities of daily living. Conventional physical therapy is commonly used to improve upper extremity function; however, recovery of hand performance remains challenging for many stroke survivors. Augmented cues provide additional sensory information through visual, auditory, or sensorimotor feedback that may enhance motor learning and neuroplasticity. Incorporating augmented cues into rehabilitation programs may improve patient engagement, increase repetition of task-specific movements, and facilitate functional recovery. The purpose of this randomized controlled trial is to examine the effectiveness of adding augmented cue-based training to conventional physical therapy intervention in improving hand function among patients with subacute ischemic stroke. A total of 50 participants meeting the eligibility criteria will be recruited and randomly assigned into two equal groups: Study Group: Participants will receive augmented cue-based training combined with conventional physical therapy. Control Group: Participants will receive conventional physical therapy only. The intervention will be conducted over an eight-week treatment period. Outcome measures will be collected before and after treatment and will include: 1. Nine-Hole Peg Test (NHPT) to assess manual dexterity. 2. Hand grip strength measured using a hand dynamometer. 3. Pressure pain threshold measured using a pressure algometer. The primary objective is to determine whether the addition of augmented cues results in greater improvement in hand function compared with conventional physical therapy alone. The results may contribute to the development of more effective rehabilitation strategies for individuals recovering from stroke.
Interventions
OTHERConventional physical therapy
Participants will receive a conventional physical therapy program for upper limb and hand rehabilitation after stroke. The program includes stretching exercises, range of motion exercises, strengthening exercises, and task-oriented hand training. Treatment will be provided three times per week for eight weeks (24 sessions).
DEVICEmusicgloves training
MusicGlove is a sensor-based rehabilitation device that provides augmented visual, auditory, and performance feedback during task-specific hand exercises. Participants perform repetitive thumb-to-finger opposition and grasping movements synchronized with computer-based musical activities. Training will be provided in addition to conventional physical therapy three times per week for eight weeks.
Sponsors
Cairo University
Study design
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
PARALLEL
Primary purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
NONE
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
40 Years to 60 Years
Healthy volunteers
No
Inclusion criteria
* \- Male and female patients. * Age between 40 and 60 years. * First-ever subacute ischemic stroke. * Time since stroke between 6 weeks and 6 months. * Unilateral upper limb involvement. * Able to understand and follow verbal instructions. * Medically stable and able to participate in the rehabilitation program. * Willing to provide informed consent.
Exclusion criteria
* \- Hemorrhagic stroke. * Bilateral stroke involvement. * Severe cognitive impairment or severe aphasia interfering with participation. * Severe visual or auditory deficits affecting training. * Severe upper limb spasticity that prevents hand training. * Other neurological disorders affecting upper limb function. * Severe musculoskeletal disorders of the upper limb. * Participation in another rehabilitation trial during the study period. * Unstable cardiovascular or medical conditions.
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Nine-Hole peg Test (NHPT) | Baseline and after 8 weeks of treatment | Manual dexterity assessed using the Nine-Hole Peg Test. The time required to place and remove nine pegs will be recorded in seconds. Lower scores indicate better hand dexterity. |
Secondary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| hand grip strength | Baseline and after 8 weeks of treatment | Hand grip strength will be assessed using a calibrated hand dynamometer. Participants will perform maximal voluntary grip contractions, and the average value of three trials will be recorded in kilograms. Higher values indicate greater hand strength. |
| pressure pain threshold | Baseline and after 8 weeks of treatment | Pressure pain threshold of the Extensor Carpi Radialis Brevis muscle will be measured using a digital pressure algometer. Pressure will be applied at a standardized rate until the participant first perceives pain. Higher values indicate lower pain sensitivity. |
Countries
Egypt
Contacts
STUDY_CHAIRMoshera H Darwish, PHD
Professor of Physical Therapy for Neurology and Neurosurgery Faculty of Physical Therapy Cairo University
STUDY_DIRECTORmariam m elsayed, phd
Lecturer in department of physical Therapy for Neurology and Neurosurgery Faculty of physical therapy Cairo University
STUDY_DIRECTOREssam M Abdulwahab, PHD
Professor of Neurology Faculty of Medicine Al-Azhar university
Outcome results
None listed