Small electrical stimulation to help one-sided facial weakness after stroke
Official title: Effect of Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation on Unilaterial Central Facial Palsy: An Assesorblinded Randomized Controlled Trial
Run by University of Aarhus · NCT07325604 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 130 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | University of Aarhus Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Hammel) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | February 27, 2026 |
| Main results expected | December 15, 2030 |
| Study ends | December 15, 2030 |
| Registry record updated | March 9, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07325604 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a 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.
✕Probably 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.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
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.
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 gone: Previous studies of NMES for central facial palsy are few and inconclusive, so this approach is not yet proven in larger trials.
Who can join: the full rules
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 it's running
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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
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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.