FES-assisted arm ergometer training for people with subacute stroke

Is this trial a fit for you?

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This is a single-center, randomized trial enrolling 24 adults with subacute unilateral stroke (≤6 months) to compare conventional rehabilitation plus upper-extremity ergometer training versus the same program with functional electrical stimulation (FES) added. Both groups receive standard rehabilitation five days per week, and the ergometer or FES-assisted ergometer sessions are 30 minutes each for a total of 10 sessions over about four weeks. In the FES group, surface electrodes are placed on selected upper-limb muscles (for example wrist extensors) tailored to each participant to assist cycling movements. Primary aims are to measure changes in upper-extremity function and aerobic capacity after the intervention.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

* Inclusion Criteria:
* Age between 18 and 85 years
* Diagnosis of subacute stroke (≤6 months after stroke onset)
* Ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke confirmed by imaging
* Unilateral hemiplegia affecting the upper extremity
* Brunnstrom upper extremity motor recovery stage between 1 and 5
* Modified Ashworth Scale score \<3 in the affected upper extremity
* Ability to follow simple verbal commands and cooperate with assessments
* Medically stable and able to participate in an exercise-based rehabilitation program
* Voluntary agreement to participate in the study and provision of written informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

* Severe cognitive impairment or communication disorder preventing cooperation
* Severe cardiopulmonary disease or other medical conditions contraindicating exercise testing or training
* Uncontrolled hypertension or cardiac arrhythmia
* Severe musculoskeletal disorders of the upper extremity limiting participation in ergometer training
* Presence of implanted electronic devices (e.g., pacemaker) contraindicating functional electrical stimulation
* History of epilepsy or uncontrolled seizures
* Severe spasticity (Modified Ashworth Scale ≥3)
* Participation in another interventional study during the study period

Where it's running

• Ankara Bilkent City Hospital
  Ankara, Çankaya, Turkey (Türkiye) Recruiting

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How to take part

1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.