Breathing and Suboccipital Release to Help Stroke Rehab

Is this trial a fit for you?

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This interventional study will compare a breathing plus suboccipital relaxation program added to routine physiotherapy against routine rehabilitation alone in adults with a prior stroke. Participants will undergo deep, slow breathing exercises and suboccipital release in addition to standard care, with outcomes focused on autonomic regulation, motor function, cognitive performance, and emotional well-being. The rationale is that these techniques may enhance heart rate variability, balance, and sleep, potentially improving overall rehabilitation outcomes. The study builds on prior evidence of individual benefits from breathing exercises and suboccipital therapies, and aims to evaluate their combined effect in stroke rehab.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

* First-time diagnosis of stroke
* Presence of unilateral hemiplegia due to ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke etiology
* Presence of hemiparesis
* At least 3 months post-stroke
* Having signed the informed consent form
* Aged between 18 and 84 years

Exclusion Criteria:

* Presence of active or chronic respiratory disease
* Low heart rate (\<60 bpm)
* Known cardiac conduction disorder
* Symptomatic carotid or vertebrobasilar stenosis
* Severe carotid or vertebrobasilar stenosis
* Advanced liver, kidney, heart, or lung disease
* Diagnosed depression
* Pregnancy
* Severe aphasia or cognitive impairment that may interfere with the informed consent process or study procedures
* Malignant tumors or infectious diseases
* Presence of a pacemaker or other implanted electrical device
* Spasticity of grade 4 or higher according to the Modified Ashworth Scale in the upper and lower extremities
* Brunnstrom Motor Staging below stage 3 in the upper and lower extremities
* Failure to meet the inclusion criteria

Where it's running

• Afyonkarahisar Health Sciences University Health Practice and Research Center
  Afyonkarahisar, Turkey (Türkiye) Recruiting

Study contacts

• Study coordinator: Zeynep Arikan
• Email: zeynepcikar61@gmail.com
• Phone: +905536655775

Similar studies

Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.

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• AI-based tools to help diagnose, treat and predict stroke outcomes across multiple hospitals

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• Web-based therapy using action observation and mirror therapy for arm weakness after stroke

  This trial tests whether a mobile telerehabilitation app delivering action observation therapy (AOT) alone or combined AOT with mirror therapy (AOT-MT) can improve upper limb function in people with subacute stroke.

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• Remote Ischaemic Conditioning for Fatigue After Stroke 2

  Aat least 12 weeks after stroke, adults with post-stroke fatigue will try a simple hand-arm cuff treatment at home to see if it helps reduce fatigue.

  Recruiting Phase 2 Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust · Sheffield, South Yorkshire · NCT07914647

• Dual-task balance training plus computer-based cognitive training after stroke

  In adults who recently had a stroke, the study tests whether adding computerized cognitive exercises to balance training improves balance and other recovery outcomes.

  Recruiting Matia Foundation · San Sebastián, GUIPUZCOA · NCT07913620

How to take part

1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.