Scapular and upper-arm PNF techniques for stroke-related scapular dyskinesia
Official title: Effects of Scapular and Upper Limb Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation Techniques on Shoulder Pain, Upper Limb Function & Gait in Stroke With Scapular Dyskinesia.
Run by Riphah International University · NCT07148466 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This trial will test whether adding scapular and upper-limb PNF exercises to usual physiotherapy helps people aged 40–65 with subacute stroke and scapular dyskinesia reduce shoulder pain and improve arm function and walking.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 40 Years to 65 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 44 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Riphah International University Academic / other |
| Locations | 2 sites (Islamabad, Punjab Province and 1 other locations) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | August 19, 2025 |
| Main results expected | January 20, 2026 |
| Study ends | February 21, 2026 |
| Registry record updated | August 29, 2025 |
| Trial ID | NCT07148466 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are people aged 40–65 with subacute MCA stroke who have scapular dyskinesia, mild spasticity (MAS around +1 to 1), and impaired gait (DGI < 19).
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with other neurological disorders, major medical or psychiatric conditions, inability to follow instructions, or those outside the age/gait/spasticity criteria 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 controlled trial enrolls 44 people with subacute middle cerebral artery stroke and scapular dyskinesia, randomly assigning them to either conventional physiotherapy alone or conventional physiotherapy plus scapular and upper-limb proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF). The experimental group receives scapular PNF coupled with upper-limb PNF patterns aimed at improving scapular kinematics and neuromuscular control in addition to standard care. Primary outcomes include shoulder pain, upper-limb function, and gait performance, measured before and after the intervention period. Study sites are HBS Hospital and the National Institute of Rehabilitation Medicine in Islamabad, Pakistan.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, adding scapular and upper-limb PNF to standard physiotherapy could reduce shoulder pain and improve arm function and walking in people after stroke.
How similar studies have gone: PNF techniques have shown benefit for motor control and shoulder function in stroke and musculoskeletal conditions, but targeted scapular PNF for post-stroke scapular dyskinesia is relatively novel and evidence is limited.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * • Sub-acute * MCA * Age bracket 40-65 years. * Gender Male or Female. * Gait baseline score (DGI less than 19) * Patients with spasticity between grades (+1 and 1) on the Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS). Exclusion Criteria: * • Inability to communicate/understand instructions. * Stroke with other neurological conditions. * Patient with any other psychological and medical condition.
Where it's running
-
HBS Hospital islamabad
Islamabad, Punjab Province, Pakistan Recruiting -
National institute of rehablitation medicine islamabad
Islamabad, Punjab Province, Pakistan Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Mahat zafar, MSNMPT — Riphah International University
- Study coordinator: Mahat zafar, MSNMPT
- Email: mahat.zafar@riphah.edu.pk
- Phone: 03326624087
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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.