Isolated versus synergetic muscle facilitation to improve arm function after acute stroke
Official title: Effect of Isolated Versus Synergetic Muscle Facilitation on Upper Limb Functional Performance in Patients With Acute Stroke
Run by Cairo University · NCT07273201 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project will test whether isolated or synergetic muscle facilitation improves arm function in people with an acute middle cerebral artery stroke.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 50 Years to 60 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 40 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Cairo University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Cairo) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | October 1, 2025 |
| Main results expected | April 2026 |
| Study ends | July 2026 |
| Registry record updated | December 9, 2025 |
| Trial ID | NCT07273201 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a 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.
✕Probably 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.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
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.
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 gone: 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.
Who can join: the full rules
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 it's running
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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
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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.