Comparing mirror therapy, rTMS, and robotic hand therapy for stroke recovery

Comparison of the Effects of Mirror Therapy,Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation and Robotic-assisted Hand Therapy Added to Neurological Rehabilitation on Upper Extremity Functions, Quality of Life and Pain in Stroke Patients

NA · Afyonkarahisar Health Sciences University · NCT06750692

This study is testing which of three rehabilitation methods—mirror therapy, brain stimulation, or robotic hand therapy—works best to help stroke survivors improve their arm function and quality of life.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment120 (estimated)
Ages40 Years to 80 Years
SexAll
SponsorAfyonkarahisar Health Sciences University (other)
Locations1 site (Afyonkarahisar)
Trial IDNCT06750692 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study investigates the effects of three different rehabilitation approaches—mirror therapy, Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS), and robotic-assisted hand therapy—on upper extremity function, quality of life, and pain in stroke patients. Participants will be divided into three groups, each receiving 20 sessions of conventional neurological rehabilitation along with their assigned intervention over four weeks. The study aims to determine which method is most effective in improving outcomes for stroke survivors. Assessments will include various scales to measure upper extremity function and quality of life.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 40-80 who have experienced a stroke at least three months prior and are neurologically stable.

Not a fit: Patients with significant comorbidities, a history of epilepsy, or those with intracranial metal objects may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could enhance rehabilitation strategies for stroke patients, leading to improved upper extremity function and quality of life.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promising results with similar rehabilitation approaches, suggesting potential effectiveness.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Patients who applied to Afyonkarahisar Health Sciences University Hospital Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Polyclinic with the diagnosis of hemiplegia after a cerebrovascular accident in the inpatient ward or as an outpatient for neurological rehabilitation after taking the anamnesis and physical examination, who met the inclusion criteria and eliminated the exclusion criteria
* Female and male patients between the ages of 40-80
* stroke at least 3 months ago
* voluntarily agreed to participate in the study regularly, whose health status is suitable for rehabilitation and who are medically stable
* mini mental test score of 15 and above
* Neurologically stable patient

Exclusion Criteria:

* significant comorbidities such as serious heart disease (aortic stenosis, angina, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, arrhythmia, pacemaker) and uncontrolled hypertension
* history of epilepsy, antiepileptic drug use
* intracranial metal objects
* intraauricular implants
* cognitive dysfunction
* upper extremity peripheral nerve injuries
* malignancy
* active infection
* skin infections or open wounds in the application area
* inflammatory diseases
* orthopedic injuries that may limit maximum effort capacity
* brain lesion or drug use history that may affect the seizure threshold
* increased intracranial pressure
* uncontrolled migraine
* severe spasticity in the hand (MAS≥3)
* contracture in the hand
* have had a fracture or surgery on the hemiplegic side in the last 6 months
* severe visual impairment
* severe depression

Where this trial is running

Afyonkarahisar

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Stroke, Upper Extremity Dysfunction, Neuropathic Pain, Quality of Life, Neurologic Disorder, Mirror Therapy, Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation, Hand-Finger Robot

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.