Action Observation Therapy for Chronic Stroke via Telerehabilitation
Official title: Investigation of the Effect of Action Observation Therapy Via Telerehabilitation Method on Upper Extremity Functions, Daily Living Activities and Quality of Life in Chronic Stroke Patients
Run by Karabuk University · NCT07631182 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study tests whether watching and then imitating simple daily actions through a home-based telerehabilitation program improves hand function and quality of life for adults with chronic stroke.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 30 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Karabuk University Academic / other |
| Locations | 2 sites (Karabük, Merkez and 1 other locations) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | June 15, 2026 |
| Main results expected | July 1, 2026 |
| Study ends | October 1, 2026 |
| Registry record updated | June 9, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07631182 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Adults over 18 with left hemiparetic stroke, at least 6 months post-stroke, with adequate hand/upper-extremity motor function and cognitive capacity, able to participate in seated therapy sessions.
✕Probably not a fit
Individuals with severe spasticity, contractures, neglect, or cognitive/behavioral barriers that prevent participation may not experience benefit.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
The trial investigates whether combining Action Observation Therapy with telerehabilitation, in addition to conventional physiotherapy, improves upper-extremity function and daily living abilities in adults with left-sided chronic stroke. Participants observe and imitate actions delivered remotely, aiming to engage the mirror neuron system to support motor recovery. The study targets individuals at least 6 months post-stroke, with specific Brunnstrom stages for the hand and upper extremity, and adequate cognitive and trunk function. Conventional physiotherapy remains the baseline treatment, while the telerehabilitation modality provides accessible, low-cost delivery. Safety and eligibility are assessed through standard clinical criteria and standardized motor and cognitive scales.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients could experience improved hand dexterity and independence in daily activities through an accessible home-based therapy approach.
How similar studies have gone: Prior work supports neural and functional gains from action observation and telerehabilitation separately; combining them for chronic stroke is a novel approach with potential for meaningful improvement.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Being over 18 years of age, * Diagnosis of left hemiparetic stroke, * Having passed between 6 months since the onset of stroke, * Being in stage 4 or 5 of the hand and stage 4, 5 or 6 of the upper extremity according to Brunnstrom staging, * Being able to sit on a chair for 30 minutes without support (patients who scored 20 or more points in total from the Trunk Impairment Scale), * Scoring 24 or more points from the Mini Mental Test Exclusion Criteria: * Unwillingness to participate in the study, * Having spasticity that prevents grasping and releasing an object (levels 3 and 4 on the Modified Ashworth Scale), * Having a contracture in any of the affected upper extremity joints, * Having severe neglect disorder (scoring 21 or higher on the Catherine Bergego Scale), * Having impaired cooperation, compliance, and behavior during the administration of tests used to obtain data, * Having a mental impairment that prevents communication and following basic commands (scoring less than 24 on the Mini-Mental Test), * Having additional neurological and/or orthopedic problems that may affect motor performance and sitting balance, * Having severe visual and hearing problems (if any, these problems not corrected with assistive devices such as glasses, contact lenses, hearing aids, etc.)
Where it's running
-
Karabuk University
Karabük, Merkez, Turkey (Türkiye) Recruiting -
Mustafa KAVAK
Karabük, Merkez, Turkey (Türkiye) Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Mustafa KAVAK, Phd
- Email: mustafakavak@karabuk.edu.tr
- Phone: +905065089564
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
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Task-oriented training plus NDT vs high-intensity gait training plus NDT for chronic stroke walking
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Unimanual vs. Bimanual Action Observation Therapy for Chronic Stroke Upper-Limb Recovery
This study tests whether action observation therapy using one hand or both hands improves arm function and daily living in adults with chronic stroke.
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CONUT score and its link to balance and everyday function after chronic stroke.
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Comparing constraint-induced movement therapy and bilateral training to improve arm and hand use after chronic stroke
This tests whether restraining the unaffected arm plus electrical stimulation or training both arms together with electrical stimulation better reduces wrist tightness and improves hand use in adults with chronic stroke.
-
Using vibration and low‑intensity electrical pulses to improve arm proprioception after stroke
This project tests whether a wearable device that delivers gentle vibrations and low‑intensity electrical pulses can improve arm position and movement sense in people with chronic stroke, with healthy volunteers included for comparison.
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.