Combining synergy-based motor therapy and electrical stimulation to improve upper-arm function after stroke
Official title: Effects of Synergy-based Motor Therapy Combined With Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation in Post Stroke Patients
Run by Riphah International University · NCT07576465 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 50 Months to 65 Months |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 40 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Riphah International University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Jhang, Punjab Province) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | April 1, 2026 |
| Main results expected | July 2026 |
| Study ends | July 2026 |
| Registry record updated | May 8, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07576465 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a 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.
✕Probably 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.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
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.
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 gone: 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.
Who can join: the full rules
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 it's running
-
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
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
-
Deep phenotyping to explore recovery in young adults after stroke
This project will test whether a detailed health and sample-collection approach (deep phenotyping) is practical and acceptable for people aged 18–55 who have had a stroke.
-
Stem cell therapy for chronic stroke recovery
This study is testing whether using a patient's own stem cells can help people with long-term stroke recovery feel better and improve their daily functioning.
-
AI-based tools to help diagnose, treat and predict stroke outcomes across multiple hospitals
This study tests AI-powered tools on real-world stroke patients to see if they can improve pre-hospital triage, diagnosis, and outcome prediction while data stay securely within each hospital.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
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.