Comparing constraint-induced movement therapy and bilateral training to improve arm and hand use after chronic stroke
Official title: Constraint-Induced Movement Therapy and Bilateral Training in Chronic Stroke
Run by University of Lahore · NCT07378774 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This tests whether restraining the unaffected arm plus electrical stimulation or training both arms together with electrical stimulation better reduces wrist tightness and improves hand use in adults with chronic stroke.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years to 65 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 112 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | University of Lahore Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Lahore, Punjab Province) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | February 5, 2026 |
| Main results expected | April 5, 2026 |
| Study ends | April 6, 2026 |
| Registry record updated | January 30, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07378774 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Adults aged 18–65 with chronic stroke, preserved cognition (Mini-Mental State score ≥21), and mild-to-moderate spasticity (Modified Ashworth Scale ≤2) who can consent and attend the clinic are ideal candidates.
✕Probably not a fit
People in the acute phase of stroke, those with severe spasticity (MAS >2), other major neurological or musculoskeletal disorders, or who cannot tolerate or attend the rehabilitation sessions are unlikely to benefit from these interventions.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This single-blinded randomized controlled trial will enroll 94 adults with chronic stroke and randomly assign them to receive either constraint-induced movement therapy (CIMT) combined with functional electrical stimulation (FES) or bilateral training (BT) combined with FES. CIMT involves restricting the non-affected limb and intensive, task-specific practice of the affected limb, while BT emphasizes symmetrical, simultaneous use of both upper limbs during functional tasks; FES will be applied to wrist extensor muscles in both groups. Outcome assessors will be blinded and primary outcomes include wrist spasticity and hand function measured before and after the intervention. Participants will be recruited from tertiary care hospitals and rehabilitation centers at the study site in Lahore, Pakistan.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the tested approach could reduce wrist spasticity and improve hand control, making daily activities easier for people with chronic stroke.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research shows both CIMT and bilateral training can improve upper-limb function after stroke, but direct comparisons of each combined with FES specifically for wrist spasticity in chronic stroke are limited.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Patients diagnosed with stroke in chronic phase. Patients with normal cognition (MMS 21 and above) Both male and female patients will be included. Adult patients will be included. (age 18-65) Participants with spasticity score of 2 or less on MAS. Exclusion Criteria: * Acute and other neurological and musculoskeletal conditions e.g. Parkinson's, multiple sclerosis. Patients who do not agree to treatment.
Where it's running
-
Shadman Medical Center
Lahore, Punjab Province, Pakistan Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Zikra Azhar, MSPTN — The University of Lahore, Lahore
- Study coordinator: Zikra Azhar, MSPTN
- Email: zikraazhar4@gmail.com
- Phone: 03446928620
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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.