Modified constraint-induced movement therapy with or without proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation for children after stroke
Effects of Modified Constraint-induced Movement Therapy With and Without Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation Techniques on Upper Extremity Function in Pediatric Stroke Patients
We will test whether adding PNF techniques to modified CIMT helps improve arm and hand function in children aged 5–13 who had a stroke.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 20 (estimated) |
| Ages | 5 Years to 13 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Riphah International University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Lahore, Punjab Province) |
| Trial ID | NCT07244042 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This randomized trial will enroll 20 children with pediatric stroke and upper-extremity impairments, randomly assigning them to six weeks of modified constraint-induced movement therapy (CIMT) alone or CIMT combined with proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF). Therapists will deliver the interventions and participants will be evaluated before and after the intervention using standardized measures including the Pediatric Motor Activity Log (PMAL), Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS), and Manual Ability Classification System (MACS), along with measures of muscle tone and physical activity. Data will be entered and analyzed in SPSS v26.0 to compare changes between the two groups. The protocol excludes children with epilepsy, recent botulinum toxin injections, cognitive impairment, recent fractures, or recent upper-extremity surgery.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Children aged 5–13 with confirmed pediatric stroke, MAS spasticity level 1–2, MACS scores in the specified range, GMFCS level 1–2, and minimum active wrist and finger extension as listed are ideal candidates.
Not a fit: Children with uncontrolled seizures, recent botulinum toxin treatment, cognitive impairment, recent fractures, or recent upper-extremity surgery are excluded and are unlikely to benefit from this protocol.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, combining PNF with modified CIMT could produce greater improvements in arm and hand movement and help children regain more independence in daily activities.
How similar studies have performed: CIMT has demonstrated benefits for upper-limb recovery in children after stroke, while the combination of CIMT and PNF is less well studied and represents a relatively novel approach.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Paeds Patients with confirmed diagnosis of Stroke * Children between age 5 to 13 years * Modified Ashworth Scale spasticity level 1 and 2. * Patients having Manual Ability Classification System Score between 3 to 6. * GMFCS level 1 and 2 * Patient having in affected upper extremity at least 20◦ of active wrist extension starting from the full flexion, 10◦ of active extension or abduction in the thumb, and 10◦ of active extension in the metacarpophalangeal and interphalangeal joints of the other fingers Exclusion Criteria: * Patients with epilepsy or seizure disorder * Patients with history of botulinum toxin injection, cognitive impairment, fracture and any surgical procedure in upper extremity
Where this trial is running
Lahore, Punjab Province
- Imran Amjad — Lahore, Punjab Province, Pakistan (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Maida Shabbir, MS-PT — Riphah International University
- Study coordinator: IMRAN AMJAD, PhD
- Email: imran.amjad@riphah.edu.pk
- Phone: 9233224390125
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.