Functional action observation with rhythmic sound to improve balance and walking after stroke
Official title: Effects of Functional Action Observation Therapy With Rhythmic Auditory Cueing on Balance and Gait in Patients With Stroke
Run by Riphah International University · NCT07428824 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 40 Years to 60 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 40 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Riphah International University Academic / other |
| Locations | 2 sites (Lahore, Punjab Province and 1 other locations) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | November 5, 2025 |
| Main results expected | April 12, 2026 |
| Study ends | April 30, 2026 |
| Registry record updated | February 24, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07428824 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a 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.
✕Probably 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.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
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.
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 gone: 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.
Who can join: the full rules
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 it's running
-
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
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
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This project will test whether a detailed health and sample-collection approach (deep phenotyping) is practical and acceptable for people aged 18–55 who have had a stroke.
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This trial tests whether a mobile telerehabilitation app delivering action observation therapy (AOT) alone or combined AOT with mirror therapy (AOT-MT) can improve upper limb function in people with subacute stroke.
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Remote Ischaemic Conditioning for Fatigue After Stroke 2
Aat least 12 weeks after stroke, adults with post-stroke fatigue will try a simple hand-arm cuff treatment at home to see if it helps reduce fatigue.
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In adults who recently had a stroke, the study tests whether adding computerized cognitive exercises to balance training improves balance and other recovery outcomes.
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.