Combining mirror therapy and electrical stimulation for nerve injury recovery
Comparison of the Effects of Mirror Therapy Integrated with Electrical Stimulation and Motor Imagery on Cortical Modulations in Patients with Peripheral Nerve Injury and Healthy Adults
This study tests if combining mirror therapy and electrical stimulation can help people with nerve injuries recover better by looking at how their brains respond during hand exercises.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 42 (estimated) |
| Ages | 20 Years to 65 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Chang Gung Memorial Hospital Academic / other |
| Locations | 2 sites (Taipei and 1 other locations) |
| Trial ID | NCT06209801 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study investigates the effects of integrating mirror therapy, motor imagery, and electrical stimulation on cortical modulation in individuals with peripheral nerve injuries. Participants will be divided into two groups: those with nerve injuries and healthy adults, performing hand exercises under three randomized conditions. The study aims to assess real-time cortical activation changes during these exercises, which could enhance recovery outcomes. The interventions include specific exercises tailored to different types of nerve injuries, with measurements taken using surface electromyography.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are individuals with newly diagnosed median or ulnar nerve transection injuries of the forearm within the past six months.
Not a fit: Patients with central nervous diseases or recent histories of nerve entrapment syndromes may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly improve recovery and quality of life for patients with peripheral nerve injuries.
How similar studies have performed: While similar methods have been explored, this specific integration of therapies has not been previously tested.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * newly diagnosed median or ulnar nerve transection injury of the forearm in the past 6 months * sufficient communication in the Chinese language * being able to follow instructions * muscle atrophy or lack of voluntary contraction over the injured hand, with maximum voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC) recorded with surface electromyography (EMG) less than 10% compared to the non-affected hand * achieve an average score of 2 or above in the Kinesthetic and Visual Imagery Questionnaire-10 (KVIQ-10) for kinesthetic imagery Exclusion Criteria: * had central nervous disease * had a recent (1 year) history of nerve entrapment syndrome * had a history of latent neuropathy, such as diabetes or dialysis
Where this trial is running
Taipei and 1 other locations
- National Taiwain Univeristy, Colledge of Medicine, School and Graduate Institude of Physicl Therapy — Taipei, Taiwan (Recruiting)
- Chang Gung Memorial Hospital — Taoyuan, Taiwan (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Yueh-Hsia Chen, PhD — National Taiwan University, School of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Yueh-Hsia Chen, PhD
- Email: yuehhsiachen@ntu.edu.tw
- Phone: +886-3366-8133
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.