Comparing muscle activation in stroke patients during different activities

Comparison of Activity Levels of Periscapular Muscles During Open and Closed Kinetic Chain Activities in Individuals With Stroke

This study is trying to see how well the muscles around the shoulder work in stroke patients compared to healthy people during different movements.

Quick facts

• Study type: Observational
• Enrollment: 20 (estimated)
• Ages: 18 Years and up
• Sex: All
• Sponsor: Istanbul University - Cerrahpasa (Academic / other)
• Locations: 1 site (Istanbul)
• Trial ID: NCT05990413 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study aims to compare the activity levels of periscapular muscles in individuals with hemiplegia during open and closed kinetic chain activities. It will assess the timing and percentage of muscle activation, as well as the viscoelastic properties of these muscles, in relation to motor performance and capacity. The study will include both stroke patients and healthy controls to establish a comparative baseline. By analyzing these factors, the study seeks to enhance understanding of muscle function post-stroke.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include individuals who are at least 6 weeks post-stroke with mild to moderate upper limb motor impairment.

Not a fit: Patients with severe upper limb impairment or those with a history of shoulder dislocation or surgery may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved rehabilitation strategies for stroke patients by optimizing muscle activation techniques.

How similar studies have performed: While similar studies have explored muscle activation in stroke rehabilitation, this specific comparison of kinetic chain activities is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Inclusion Criteria:

Stroke patients will be considered eligible for participation if they:

* were at least 6 weeks after stroke (hemorrhagic or ischemic);
* had mild to moderate upper limb motor impairment (score of ≥30 on the Fugl-Meyer upper limb motor part;
* had a negative Neer impingement test;
* could sit or stand up independently at least 10 minutes.

Healthy controls will be considered eligible for participation if they:

* had no self-reported shoulder pain;
* had a negative Neer impingement test.

Exclusion Criteria:

Participants will be excluded according to these criteria:

* being involuntary to participate and unable to follow the instructions;
* being younger than 18 years old;
* body mass index equal or higher than 30;
* shoulder and/or neck pain in the last six months;
* known history of shoulder dislocation, fracture or surgery;
* other systemic and/or neurologic diseases. -

Where this trial is running

Istanbul

• Istinye University Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation Reasearch and Application Center — Istanbul, Turkey (Recruiting)

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Çiçek Günday, PT,MSc,PhD-c — Istanbul University - Cerrahpasa
• Study coordinator: Çiçek Günday, PT,MSc,PhD-c

Conditions Hemiplegia; Scapular muscles; Muscle timing; Muscle activation; Kinetic chain