Rhythmic breathing plus balance training to improve balance and trunk control after sub-acute stroke

Combined Effects of Rhythmic Breathing Exercises and Balance Training on Balance and Trunk Control in Patients With Stroke

Not applicable Interventional Riphah International University · NCT07576166

The researchers will test whether adding rhythmic breathing exercises to balance training helps people with sub-acute stroke improve their balance and trunk control.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment50 (estimated)
Ages45 Years to 65 Years
SexAll
SponsorRiphah International University Academic / other
Locations1 site (Sargodha, Punjab Province)
Trial IDNCT07576166 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This is a single-blinded randomized controlled trial that will enroll 50 patients with first-ever ischemic sub-acute stroke (3–6 months) at a single center in Sargodha. Participants aged 45–65 will be randomized to an experimental group receiving rhythmic breathing plus balance training and conventional physical therapy, or a control group receiving balance training and conventional physical therapy only. Both groups will do 60-minute sessions three times per week for eight consecutive weeks, with outcome measures taken at baseline and after the intervention. Balance will be measured with the Berg Balance Scale, trunk control with the Trunk Impairment Scale, and postural control with the Postural Assessment Scale for Stroke, and data will be analyzed in SPSS.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal participants are adults 45–65 years old with a first-ever ischemic sub-acute stroke (3–6 months), intact cognition (MMSE >24), and the ability to tolerate a 60-minute exercise session.

Not a fit: Patients with severe visual hemianopsia, other neurological disorders causing balance dysfunction, active serious organ disease, or significant sensory neuropathy are unlikely to benefit or be eligible.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, the combined approach could improve balance and trunk control and help reduce fall risk during stroke recovery.

How similar studies have performed: Some small rehabilitation studies suggest breathing and trunk-control exercises can aid balance after stroke, but combining rhythmic breathing specifically with balance training is not yet widely studied.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Age 45-65 years old
* Either gender
* Sub-acute stroke (3-6months)
* The cognition level of patient according to Mini Mental Score Examination will be \>24
* The trunk control of patient based on Trunk Impairment score is 20 or less than 23
* First-ever ischemic stroke
* Ability to tolerate at least 60 min exercise according to berg scale scoring less than 8
* Agree to sign the written informed consents

Exclusion Criteria:

* • Severe visual hemianopsia

  * Acute diseases of the heart, brain, kidney and other organs
  * Sensory neuropathy such as diabetic neuropathy
  * Balance dysfunction due to other neurological disorders

Where this trial is running

Sargodha, Punjab Province

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Sub-acute StrokeRhythmic breathing exercisesBalance trainingBerg balance scaleStroke
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.