Isolated versus synergetic muscle facilitation to improve arm function after acute stroke
Effect of Isolated Versus Synergetic Muscle Facilitation on Upper Limb Functional Performance in Patients With Acute Stroke
NA · Cairo University · NCT07273201
This project will test whether isolated or synergetic muscle facilitation improves arm function in people with an acute middle cerebral artery stroke.
Quick facts
| Phase | NA |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 40 (estimated) |
| Ages | 50 Years to 60 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Cairo University (other) |
| Locations | 1 site (Cairo) |
| Trial ID | NCT07273201 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This randomized controlled trial will compare two rehabilitation approaches for upper-limb recovery after acute middle cerebral artery stroke. Participants will be randomized to a program that includes range-of-motion exercises, electrical muscle stimulation, stretching, mental practice with motor imagery, and isolated muscle facilitation using EMG biofeedback for six weeks followed by six weeks of task-oriented training, or to a control arm receiving standard physical therapy with synergetic muscle facilitation. Upper-limb functional performance will be measured before and after the intervention period using standardized outcome measures. The trial aims to determine whether one facilitation method produces superior functional gains during the acute recovery phase.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Adults with a recent unilateral middle cerebral artery stroke who are in early motor recovery (Brunnstrom stage 1 or 2), have a normal BMI (18.5–24.99 kg/m2), and a clear dominant hand are appropriate candidates.
Not a fit: Patients with major perceptual problems, apraxia, significant cognitive deficits, recurrent stroke, cerebellar lesions, painful or subluxated shoulder, or fixed contractures or deformities of the upper limb are unlikely to benefit or be eligible.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the results could help therapists choose the more effective muscle facilitation method to speed and improve arm recovery after acute stroke.
How similar studies have performed: Related methods such as EMG biofeedback and task-oriented training have shown benefit in some stroke rehabilitation trials, but direct comparisons of isolated versus synergetic facilitation are limited.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Unilateral Middle cerebral artery (MCA) stroke patients * Brunnstrom stage of recovery 1\& 2 * Normal body mass index (18.5 - 24.99 kg/m2) * Dominant handedness Exclusion Criteria: * Perceptual, apraxia, major cognitive deficits * Recurrent stroke * Subjects with cerebellar lesions, painful or subluxated shoulder, any contracture or deformity of the upper extremity
Where this trial is running
Cairo
- faculty of Physical Therapy, Cairo University, and El kasr El-Einy hospitals — Cairo, Egypt (RECRUITING)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Mohamed A Mousa, assistant lecturer
- Email: Mohamed.Mousa@pt.cu.edu.eg
- Phone: +20 10 92841554
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.
Conditions: Acute Stroke, acute stroke, upper limb functional performance, muscle facilitation