Functional action observation with rhythmic sound to improve balance and walking after stroke
Effects of Functional Action Observation Therapy With Rhythmic Auditory Cueing on Balance and Gait in Patients With Stroke
This trial tests whether watching and practicing everyday movements with rhythmic sounds helps people aged 40–60, 6 months to 2 years after a stroke, improve balance and walking.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 40 (estimated) |
| Ages | 40 Years to 60 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Riphah International University Academic / other |
| Locations | 2 sites (Lahore, Punjab Province and 1 other locations) |
| Trial ID | NCT07428824 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This randomized trial in Lahore will enroll 40 stroke survivors and randomly assign them to either standard rehabilitation or functional action observation therapy with rhythmic auditory cueing. The intervention group will receive 30-minute sessions of functional action observation with auditory cues five days a week for four weeks, while the control group receives traditional therapy or general action observation. Outcomes will include balance and gait measures such as the Berg Balance Scale and the Functional Gait Assessment. Participants are recruited by convenience sampling and then randomized online at two clinical sites.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are men or women aged 40–60 who are 6 months to 2 years post-stroke, can sit and stand independently, can walk more than 10 meters (with or without a device), and have no major cognitive or uncontrolled medical issues.
Not a fit: Patients with severe cognitive impairment (MMSE <25), recent hospitalization, major cardiovascular or orthopedic problems, uncorrected sensory deficits, aggressive behavioral issues, or who cannot walk 10 meters are unlikely to benefit from this protocol.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could improve balance and walking ability, lowering fall risk and helping stroke survivors regain daily independence.
How similar studies have performed: Previous trials have shown that action observation and rhythmic auditory cueing each can improve gait and balance after stroke, but combining functional action observation with rhythmic auditory cueing has been less extensively studied.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Age 40 to 60 years * Both male and female patients are included in the study * 6 months to 2 years since the onset of stroke * Ability to sit and stand up independently * Ability to walk more than 10 m, with or without an assistant device * No orthopedic impairments on both lower Exclusion Criteria: * Subjects with MMSE score less than 25 * a positive history of neoplasms, cardiovascular disease, respiratory disease clinically significant muscular-skeletal disease * uncorrected visual or auditory disturbances * hospitalization in the previous three months * Patients with aggressive behavioral alterations or emotional lability
Where this trial is running
Lahore, Punjab Province and 1 other locations
- Alara Healthcare Clinic — Lahore, Punjab Province, Pakistan (Recruiting)
- Ittefaq Hospital Trust, Lahore — Lahore, Punjab Province, Pakistan (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Binash Afzal, PhD — Riphah International University
- Study coordinator: Shirin Kamran, MSPT-NM
- Email: shirinkamran786@gmail.com
- Phone: 03114759567
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.