Clinical trial Recruiting at 1 site Interventional Ages 18 to 65

Task-oriented circuit training to improve arm and hand function after stroke

Official title: Investigation of the Effects of Task-Oriented Circuit Training on Upper Extremity Motor Function in Stroke Patients

Run by Gazi University · NCT07428161 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study will test whether adding task-oriented circuit training to standard rehabilitation helps adults (18–65) who had a first stroke improve upper limb and hand movement and manual dexterity.

Quick facts

Study typeInterventional
Ages18 Years to 65 Years
SexAll
Enrollment24 (estimated)
SponsorGazi University
Academic / other
Locations1 site (Sivas, Sivas/Center)
StatusRecruiting
StartedJanuary 13, 2026
Main results expectedApril 13, 2026
Study endsMay 13, 2026
Registry record updatedFebruary 25, 2026
Trial IDNCT07428161 on ClinicalTrials.gov

Is this trial a fit for you?

Likely a good fit

Ideal candidates are adults 18–65 with a first stroke at least one month ago who have the minimum active wrist and finger movement required to perform TOCT (for example ≥20° wrist extension, ≥10° thumb extension/abduction, and ≥10° finger extension).

Probably not a fit

Patients who cannot achieve the required wrist or finger active ranges will likely be unable to perform the exercises and therefore may not benefit.

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 will enroll adults aged 18–65 who had a first stroke at least one month earlier and randomize them to standard physiotherapy and occupational therapy with or without added task-oriented circuit training (TOCT). The TOCT group will receive 18 one-on-one sessions (three times per week for six weeks) made up of daily-life tasks such as reaching, grasping, writing, and other manual skills, while the control group receives standard exercises alone. Outcome measures include disease severity, disability, and manual dexterity assessed before and after the intervention. The trial compares whether structured, repetitive task practice in a circuit format produces greater upper extremity gains than standard therapy alone.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, TOCT could produce greater improvements in arm and hand function and daily living skills than standard rehabilitation alone.

How similar studies have gone: Task-oriented training has shown benefits for balance and walking, and task-specific upper limb therapies have shown promise, but TOCT specifically for upper extremity function is relatively under-studied.

Who can join: the full rules

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Having received a stroke diagnosis for the first time
* Having received a stroke diagnosis at least 1 month ago
* Being between 18-65 years of age

Exclusion Criteria:

* Having the following degree of active joint movement in the wrist and fingers (These conditions are necessary for patients to have the minimum hand dexterity to perform TOCT exercises)
* At least 20° extension starting from full flexion in the wrist
* At least 10° extension or abduction in the thumb
* At least 10° extension in the metacarpophalangeal and interphalangeal joints of the other fingers

Where it's running

  • Sefa Eldemir
    Sivas, Sivas/Center, Turkey (Türkiye)
    Recruiting

Study contacts

Similar studies

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How to take part

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.