Task-focused arm and hand training with small targeted vibration after stroke
Effects of Task-Oriented Upper Limb Training With Localized Vibration on Hand Function, Proprioception, and Muscle Tone in Patients With Stroke
This trial will see if adding brief focal vibration to task-focused upper limb training helps people months after a stroke improve hand movement, feeling, and muscle tone.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 38 (estimated) |
| Ages | 20 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Sahmyook University Academic / other |
| Locations | 2 sites (Seoul and 1 other locations) |
| Trial ID | NCT07558876 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This randomized controlled trial compares task-oriented upper limb training with concurrent focal vibration applied to wrist extensor muscles versus the same training without vibration over a 6-week program. Participants are adults at least 3 months after stroke with moderate upper-limb impairment and impaired proprioception. Outcomes measured before and after the intervention include motor function, proprioception, manual dexterity, and muscle tone. Sessions are supervised and the study uses standard clinical scales such as the Fugl-Meyer Assessment and Modified Ashworth Scale to quantify change.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are people at least 3 months post-stroke who can sit independently, have moderate arm impairment (FMA-UE 20–50), preserved cognition (MMSE ≥24), some voluntary strength (MMT ≥3), and impaired proprioception in the affected hand.
Not a fit: People in the acute phase (<3 months), those with severe spasticity (MAS >2), major cognitive problems, fractures or contraindications to vibration, or with very mild or very severe arm impairment outside the FMA-UE range are unlikely to benefit from this specific protocol.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, adding focal vibration could improve hand control, proprioceptive awareness, and reduce abnormal muscle tone, making everyday tasks easier for stroke survivors.
How similar studies have performed: Smaller studies and pilot work have suggested focal vibration can enhance proprioceptive input and help motor learning when paired with active training, but results are mixed and larger randomized trials are limited.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Individuals diagnosed with stroke at least 3 months prior * Individuals with sufficient cognitive function (Mini-Mental State Examination \[MMSE\] score ≥ 24) * Individuals able to maintain a seated position independently and perform upper limb functional tasks (Trunk Control Test \[TCT\] ≥ 50) * Individuals with muscle tone of the affected upper limb of Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS) Grade ≤ 2 * Individuals with Fugl-Meyer Assessment-Upper Extremity (FMA-UE) scores between 20 and 50 * Individuals able to grasp and move objects with the affected upper limb and with muscle strength of Manual Muscle Test (MMT) Grade ≥ 3 * Individuals with impaired proprioception in the affected hand (defined as a score \< 2 on the wrist or thumb position item of the FMA-UE) Exclusion Criteria: * Individuals within 3 months after stroke onset * Individuals with fractures, severe soft tissue injuries, or contraindications to focal vibration * Individuals with severe sensory hypersensitivity or complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) * Individuals who received treatments affecting upper limb function within the past 3 months (e.g., botulinum toxin injection, surgery, nerve block)
Where this trial is running
Seoul and 1 other locations
- Cheongdam Hospital — Seoul, South Korea (Recruiting)
- Sahmyook University — Seoul, South Korea (Not_yet_recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Jisu Kim, PT
- Email: ksuu6639@naver.com
- Phone: +82-10-8362-6639
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.