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

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

NA · Gazi University · NCT07428161

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

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment24 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 65 Years
SexAll
SponsorGazi University (other)
Locations1 site (Sivas, Sivas/Center)
Trial IDNCT07428161 on ClinicalTrials.gov

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.

Who should consider this trial

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).

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.

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 performed: 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.

Eligibility criteria

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 this trial is running

Sivas, Sivas/Center

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Stroke, Task Oriented Circuit Training, Manual dexterity

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.