Scapular and upper-arm PNF techniques for stroke-related scapular dyskinesia
Effects of Scapular and Upper Limb Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation Techniques on Shoulder Pain, Upper Limb Function & Gait in Stroke With Scapular Dyskinesia.
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
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 44 (estimated) |
| Ages | 40 Years to 65 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Riphah International University Academic / other |
| Locations | 2 sites (Islamabad, Punjab Province and 1 other locations) |
| Trial ID | NCT07148466 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
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.
Who should consider this trial
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).
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.
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 performed: 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.
Eligibility criteria
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 this trial is running
Islamabad, Punjab Province and 1 other locations
- 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
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.