Comparing mirror therapy, tDCS, and their combination to improve arm movement after stroke
Official title: Comparative Effects of Sensory Augmentation and Neuromodulation on Enhancing Motor Recovery Among Stroke Survivors
Run by Lahore University of Biological and Applied Sciences · NCT07266662 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 45 Years to 56 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 36 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Lahore University of Biological and Applied Sciences Academic / other |
| Locations | 2 sites (Lahore, Punjab Province and 1 other locations) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | November 25, 2025 |
| Main results expected | May 25, 2026 |
| Study ends | May 30, 2026 |
| Registry record updated | December 17, 2025 |
| Trial ID | NCT07266662 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a 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.
✕Probably 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.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
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.
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 gone: 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.
Who can join: the full rules
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 it's running
-
Pakistan Society of Rehabilitation and Differently Abled Hospital
Lahore, Punjab Province, Pakistan Recruiting -
Lahore University of Biological and Applied Sciences
Lahore, Punjab Province, Pakistan Not yet recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Syed Asad Ali, Doctor of Physical Therapy
- Email: thisisasadali01@gmail.com
- Phone: +923224739971
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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.