Using mirror therapy and electrical stimulation to help recover from peripheral nerve injuries
Effects of Mirror Therapy Combined With Contralaterally Controlled Functional Electrical Stimulation on Functional Recovery and Neuroplasticity in Patients With Peripheral Nerve Injury
This study is testing if using mirror therapy along with electrical stimulation can help people recover better from peripheral nerve injuries compared to other treatments.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 27 (estimated) |
| Ages | 20 Years to 65 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | National Taiwan University Hospital Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Taipei) |
| Trial ID | NCT06209632 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This trial evaluates the effects of combining mirror therapy with contralaterally controlled functional electrical stimulation on motor recovery and neuroplasticity in patients with peripheral nerve injuries. Participants will be randomized into three groups: one receiving the combined therapy, another receiving sham therapy, and a control group undergoing conventional physiotherapy. The study aims to compare corticomuscular coherence and sensorimotor recovery among these groups over a 12-week period. The goal is to determine the effectiveness of the combined approach in enhancing recovery outcomes.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are individuals with newly diagnosed median or ulnar nerve transection injuries of the forearm within the past six months.
Not a fit: Patients with central nervous diseases or recent histories of nerve entrapment syndromes may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly improve motor recovery and neuroplasticity in patients with peripheral nerve injuries.
How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promise in using similar therapeutic approaches, but this specific combination is relatively novel.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * newly diagnosed median or ulnar nerve transection injury of the forearm in the past 6 months * sufficient communication in the Chinese language * being able to follow instructions * the presence of target muscle denervation (e.g. muscle atrophy, inability to actively contract) * less than 10% surface EMG activity during pinch evaluation compared to the unaffected side Exclusion Criteria: * had central nervous disease * had a recent (1 year) history of nerve entrapment syndrome * had a history of latent neuropathy, such as diabetes or dialysis
Where this trial is running
Taipei
- National Taiwan University Hospital — Taipei, Taiwan (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Yueh-Hsia Chen, PhD — National Taiwan University, School of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Yueh-Hsia Chen, PhD
- Email: yuehhsiachen@ntu.edu.tw
- Phone: +886-3366-8133
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.