Small electrical stimulation to help one-sided facial weakness after stroke
Effect of Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation on Unilaterial Central Facial Palsy: An Assesorblinded Randomized Controlled Trial
NA · University of Aarhus · NCT07325604
This trial will try adding gentle neuromuscular electrical stimulation to usual facial training to see if it improves facial symmetry for adults with one-sided central facial palsy after a first stroke.
Quick facts
| Phase | NA |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 130 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Aarhus (other) |
| Locations | 1 site (Hammel) |
| Trial ID | NCT07325604 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This interventional, randomized comparison gives some participants neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) in addition to usual facial training while others receive usual care alone. Participants are adults with central facial palsy after a first-time stroke who can cooperate with mimetic exercises and provide consent. Outcomes focus on change in facial symmetry and related functions such as mouth closure, chewing, and quality of life. People with contraindications to NMES or who cannot participate in exercises are excluded.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Adults (≥18) with first-time stroke resulting in central facial palsy who can cooperate with facial exercises and provide written consent are ideal candidates.
Not a fit: Patients who cannot cooperate with mimetic exercises, have contraindications to NMES, or are currently admitted for a three-week hospital assessment are unlikely to benefit or be eligible.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, NMES could improve facial symmetry, mouth closure, and everyday facial function for people with central facial palsy after stroke.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies of NMES for central facial palsy are few and inconclusive, so this approach is not yet proven in larger trials.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Central facial palsy * First time stroke * \>=18 years * Able to provide written consent Exclusion Criteria: * Not able to cooperate for mimical exercises * Contraindications for NMES * Admitted for three weeks assessment stay at the hospital
Where this trial is running
Hammel
- Hammel neurorehabilitation centre and university research clinic — Hammel, Denmark (RECRUITING)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Jesper Fabricius, PhD — Hammel Neurorehabilitation Centre and University Research Clinic & Department of clinical medicine, Aarhus University
- Study coordinator: Jesper Fabricius, PhD
- Email: jesperjm@hotmail.com
- Phone: +4578419051
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.
Conditions: Facial Palsy, Stroke, NMES, Central facial palsy, Multicenter RCT, Facial symmetry