Comparing mirror therapy, tDCS, and their combination to improve arm movement after stroke
Comparative Effects of Sensory Augmentation and Neuromodulation on Enhancing Motor Recovery Among Stroke Survivors
This study will test whether mirror therapy, transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), or both together, added to routine physical therapy, help people aged 45–65 with chronic stroke improve upper-arm movement.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 36 (estimated) |
| Ages | 45 Years to 56 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Lahore University of Biological and Applied Sciences Academic / other |
| Locations | 2 sites (Lahore, Punjab Province and 1 other locations) |
| Trial ID | NCT07266662 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
Adults with chronic ischemic middle cerebral artery stroke and persistent upper-extremity impairment will be randomized to receive mirror therapy plus routine physical therapy, tDCS plus routine physical therapy, or a combination of both interventions along with routine physical therapy. Interventions are delivered four times per week for eight weeks at participating sites in Lahore. Motor function and related clinical measures will be recorded before and after the intervention period to compare changes between groups. The trial focuses on Brunnstrom stage 3 patients who are more than six months post-stroke and able to comply with the protocol.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Adults aged 45–65 with chronic (>6 months) ischemic middle cerebral artery stroke, Brunnstrom stage 3 upper-limb impairment, and good compliance are ideal candidates for this protocol.
Not a fit: Patients with severe spasticity (Modified Ashworth Scale >3), major cognitive impairment, severe vision or visuospatial neglect, vestibular dysfunction, other neurologic or serious systemic disease, recent recurrent stroke or epilepsy, or upper-extremity orthopedic problems are excluded and unlikely to benefit from these interventions within this trial.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the interventions could lead to better upper-limb motor recovery and improved ability to perform daily activities for chronic stroke survivors.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have reported modest improvements in upper-limb function from mirror therapy and from tDCS when used separately, but their combined effect remains relatively untested in chronic stroke.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Age: 45-65 * Gender: both male and female * Ischemic stroke * Diagnosed cases of middle cerebral artery stroke by neurologist * Stage of recovery - Chronic (more than 6 months) * Burnstromm recovery stage 3 * Good Compliance Exclusion Criteria: * Vestibular Dysfunction * Serious cognitive impairment, * Severe vision or visuospatial neglect * Spasticity (Modified Ashworth scale \>3) * Upper extremity contractures * Upper extremity fractures * Orthopedic disease * Neurological conditions (other than stroke) * Recurrence of stroke or epilepsy during the study period * Serious systemic impairment or concomitant diseases * Patients refused to participate in the experiment
Where this trial is running
Lahore, Punjab Province and 1 other locations
- Lahore University of Biological and Applied Sciences — Lahore, Punjab Province, Pakistan (Not_yet_recruiting)
- Pakistan Society of Rehabilitation and Differently Abled Hospital — Lahore, Punjab Province, Pakistan (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Syed Asad Ali, Doctor of Physical Therapy
- Email: thisisasadali01@gmail.com
- Phone: +923224739971
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.