Combining synergy-based motor therapy and electrical stimulation to improve upper-arm function after stroke
Effects of Synergy-based Motor Therapy Combined With Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation in Post Stroke Patients
This study tests whether adding neuromuscular electrical stimulation to synergy-based motor therapy helps people 3–6 months after an ischemic stroke regain use of their affected arm.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 40 (estimated) |
| Ages | 50 Months to 65 Months |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Riphah International University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Jhang, Punjab Province) |
| Trial ID | NCT07576465 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
Adults with a single ischemic stroke 3–6 months earlier and hemiplegic upper limb will receive a rehabilitation program that pairs synergy-based motor therapy (task-focused retraining to reduce abnormal movement patterns) with neuromuscular electrical stimulation to stimulate weak muscles. Treatments are delivered in-person at the District Head Quarter Hospital in Jhang and are compared with conventional therapy approaches. Upper-limb function and daily task performance will be measured before and after the intervention using standard clinical scales and functional tests. The trial excludes people with recurrent or bilateral stroke, significant cognitive impairment, implanted pacemakers, or unstable medical conditions.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 50–65 with a first ischemic stroke 3–6 months earlier, hemiplegia of one upper limb, Modified Ashworth Scale under 2, and Mini‑Mental State Examination above 25.
Not a fit: People with recurrent or bilateral strokes, significant cognitive or communication impairment, implanted pacemakers or other contraindications to electrical stimulation, or uncontrolled serious medical conditions are unlikely to benefit or be eligible.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the combined therapy could speed recovery of arm movement and make daily activities like dressing, eating, and writing easier.
How similar studies have performed: Prior studies show NMES and task-specific motor retraining can each improve post-stroke arm function, and combining them is promising though not yet conclusively proven.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * 1\) Age :50 to 65 2) Both male and female 3) Ischemic Stroke onset among 3 to 6 months (sub-acute section) 4) Hemiplegia affected upper limb 5) The score of Modified ash worth scale rating \<2 for upper limb 6) The score of Mini mental state score \>25 Exclusion Criteria: * 1\) Recurrent stroke or bilateral involvement 2) Cognitive or conversation impairment 3) Presence of pacemaker or contraindications to NMES 4) Uncontrolled comorbid situation (e.g extreme cardiac diseases )
Where this trial is running
Jhang, Punjab Province
- District Head Quarter Hospital , Jhang — Jhang, Punjab Province, Pakistan (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Aruba Saeed — Riphah International University
- Study coordinator: Imran Amjad
- Email: imran.amjad@riphah.edu.pk
- Phone: 03324390125
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.