Underwater Electrical Stimulation
Conditions
Brief summary
This study evaluates the therapeutic effects of underwater electrical faradic stimulation delivered via a four-cell hydrotherapy bath on hand grip strength and upper limb motor recovery in subacute post-stroke hemiplegic patients.
Detailed description
Upper extremity motor impairment remains a major cause of persistent disability following subacute stroke. Forty-four participants with subacute post-stroke hemiparesis were recruited and randomized in a 1:1 ratio to either an experimental group or a placebo control group. Both groups received 12 treatment sessions across 4 consecutive weeks (3 sessions per week, 20 minutes per session). Group A received active underwater faradic current stimulation applied to the affected upper limb in a four-cell hydrotherapy bath. Group B underwent identical limb positioning and bath immersion with 0 mA current output. Hand grip strength (HGS) via Jamar dynamometry and motor function via the Fugl-Meyer Assessment for Upper Extremity (FMA-UE) were assessed at baseline and post-intervention.
Interventions
OTHER4-cell Hydrotherapy Bath
Underwater Faradic Stimulation: 4-cell hydrotherapy bath immersion for 20 mins/session, 3 days/week for 4 weeks (12 sessions total). Waveform: Faradic; Pulse Duration: 0-500 µs; Pulse Frequency: 20-50 Hz; Duty Cycle: 2.5s ON / 2.5s OFF; Peak Amplitude: Up to 100 mA (motor threshold).
OTHERPlacebo
Sham Hydrotherapy: Identical positioning and immersion in 4-cell hydrotherapy bath for 20 mins/session, 3 days/week for 4 weeks (12 sessions total). Device display active, output amplitude maintained at 0 mA.
Sponsors
Deraya University
Study design
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
PARALLEL
Primary purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
DOUBLE (Subject, Outcomes Assessor)
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
50 Years to 65 Years
Healthy volunteers
No
Inclusion criteria
* First-ever ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke in the subacute phase (\<6 months post-onset) confirmed by neuroimaging (CT or MRI). * Chronological age ranging from 50 to 65 years. * Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) Level I or II (capable of walking 10 meters independently without physical support or handheld mobility aids).
Exclusion criteria
* Severe cognitive impairments or receptive language deficits precluding the ability to follow verbal instructions or communicate with research staff. * Concurrent participation in other interventional clinical trials. * Prior history of other neurological, severe musculoskeletal, or psychiatric disorders affecting upper limb function. * Presence of skin lesions, open wounds, or severe peripheral vascular disease in the affected upper extremity.
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Hand Grip Strength (HGS) | Baseline (T0) and Post-treatment at 4 weeks (T1) | Measurement Tool: Jamar hydraulic hand dynamometer. Unit of Measure: Kilograms (kg). Description: Maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) measured following ASHT guidelines (average of three trials). |
| Fugl-Meyer Assessment for Upper Extremity (FMA-UE) | Baseline (T0) and Post-treatment at 4 weeks (T1) | Measurement Tool: FMA-UE Motor Subscale (33 items). Unit of Measure: Ordinal scale score (Range: 0 to 66 points). Description: Evaluates reflex activity, volitional movement, wrist stability, hand grasp, and coordination. |
Countries
Egypt
Outcome results
None listed