Clinical trial Recruiting at 1 site Interventional Ages 50 to 70

Combined effects of low‑intensity resistance with blood flow restriction for upper limb strength after stroke

Official title: Combined Effects of Low Intensity Resistance Training With Blood Flow Restriction Therapy on Upper Limb Strength, Forward Reach and Sensorimotor Function in Post-Stroke Patients

Run by Riphah International University · NCT07646418 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study tests whether adding blood flow restriction during light resistance exercises helps improve upper limb strength, balance, and sensorimotor function in adults 50–70 recently after a stroke.

More Stroke trials

Quick facts

Study typeInterventional
Ages50 Years to 70 Years
SexAll
Enrollment64 (estimated)
SponsorRiphah International University
Academic / other
Locations1 site (Sialkot, Punjab Province)
StatusRecruiting
StartedJune 1, 2025
Main results expectedJune 30, 2026
Study endsJuly 5, 2026
Registry record updatedJune 12, 2026
Trial IDNCT07646418 on ClinicalTrials.gov

Is this trial a fit for you?

Likely a good fit

Ideal participants are men or women aged 50–70 who had a stroke about one month ago, with Barthel index ≥ 20, mild spasticity, and at least grade 3 muscle strength in the affected arm.

Probably not a fit

Patients with uncontrolled hypertension, significant cardiovascular comorbidity, cognitive impairment, or prior stroke/TIA history may not benefit.

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

What this trial studies

In this single-blinded randomized trial, 64 stroke patients aged 50–70 will be assigned to either low‑intensity resistance training with blood flow restriction (BFR) or conventional physical therapy. The BFR group uses 40% of 1‑RM with 2 kg weights and cuffs at 150–160 mmHg for 40 minutes, four days a week, for six weeks, while the control group performs standard sensorimotor and strengthening activities. Outcomes include upper-extremity function (Fugl-Meyer), forward reach (Functional Reach Test), and strength (ARAT), assessed at baseline and after the intervention. Data will be analyzed with appropriate parametric or nonparametric tests to compare intra- and intergroup changes.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could enhance upper limb recovery and functional independence after stroke.

How similar studies have gone: BFR with resistance training has shown promise in rehabilitation, but its use specifically for post-stroke upper limb recovery requires further confirmation in randomized trials.

Who can join: the full rules

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* • 50 to 70 year of age (5)

  * Both males and females (5)
  * Generalized stroke population (both ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke) (9).
  * Post stroke patient after 1 month (5)
  * Barthel index scores ≥ 20 (10)
  * Spasticity level according to Modified Ashworth scale should be 1/+1 grade in the affected upper limb(7)
  * Muscle strength at grade 3 according to MMT of affected upper limb (7)

Exclusion Criteria:

* • People with a history of mental/cognitive illness (9)

  * History of transient ischemic attack (TIA) or recurrent stroke (8)
  * Diabetes with peripheral neuropathy (5)
  * Having resting blood pressure above 160/100 mmHg even after taking medications
  * Cardiovascular comorbidity (heart failure, unstable angina, aortic stenosis)

Where it's running

  • Amin Welfare & Teaching Hospital
    Sialkot, Punjab Province, Pakistan
    Recruiting

Study contacts

Similar studies

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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.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.