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.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 50 Years to 70 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 64 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Riphah International University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Sialkot, Punjab Province) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | June 1, 2025 |
| Main results expected | June 30, 2026 |
| Study ends | July 5, 2026 |
| Registry record updated | June 12, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07646418 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
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Amin Welfare & Teaching Hospital
Sialkot, Punjab Province, Pakistan Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Aiza Yousaf, MS-OMPT — Riphah International University
- Study coordinator: Imran Amjad, PhD
- Email: imran.amjad@riphah.edu.pk
- Phone: 03324390125
Similar studies
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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.
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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.