Vojta therapy to improve posture and trunk control after stroke
Effects of Vojta Therapy on Posture and Trunk Control in Patients With Sub-acute Stroke
This study will see if adding Vojta reflex locomotion therapy to routine physical therapy helps adults with recent ischemic stroke improve posture, trunk control, and arm movement.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 62 (estimated) |
| Ages | 45 Years to 65 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Lahore Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Lahore) |
| Trial ID | NCT07244952 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
The trial compares Vojta reflex locomotion therapy combined with routine physical therapy against routine physical therapy alone in adults with sub-acute ischemic stroke (7 days to 3 months post-stroke). Vojta therapy uses stimulation of specific reflex zones to trigger innate global movement patterns and engage postural muscles, while pose-estimation software records body angles and movement for objective analysis. Clinical measures of trunk control and upper-extremity motor function will be collected alongside the pose-estimation data to determine differences between groups. Participants meet defined motor and functional criteria and receive supervised in-person therapy sessions at the study site.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 45–65 with a first-time sub-acute ischemic stroke (7 days to 3 months), Brunnstrom stage 1–2, CT-confirmed ischemic stroke, arm muscle strength ≤2 on the MRC scale, NIHSS 16–20, premorbid modified Rankin ≤3, and who can achieve supported standing and sit for 30 seconds.
Not a fit: Patients with severe cognitive impairment, significant aphasia or communication limits, altered consciousness or dementia, postural hypotension, hemorrhagic stroke, or those outside the stated age/functional criteria are unlikely to benefit or be eligible.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, adding Vojta therapy could improve postural stability, trunk control, and arm function after sub-acute ischemic stroke, potentially speeding functional recovery.
How similar studies have performed: Small studies and case reports have suggested potential benefits of Vojta therapy for postural control after neurological injury, but high-quality controlled evidence in stroke is limited.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Age 45-65 years * Both males and females * First time subacute stroke (7 days post stroke to 3 months) * Brunnstrom stage 1,2 * A confirmed CT scan for subacute ischemic stroke * A hemiplegia with score of ≤2 of medical research council scale for muscle strength of the arm (MRCS) * Premorbid modified Rankin scale score ≤ 3 * Stroke patient who can achieve supported standing * Patients having NIHSS score 16-20 will be included * Patient who can achieve sitting for 30 seconds Exclusion Criteria: * Severe cognitive impairments that can hinder rehabilitation * Limitations in communication due to aphasia * Altered consciousness or dementia (Epple et al., 2020b) * Patients suffering from postural hypotension
Where this trial is running
Lahore
- Dr Wajeeha Mahmood (PT) — Lahore, Pakistan (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Wajeeha Mahmood, BSPT,PPDPT,MSNMPT
- Email: 70137173@student.uol.edu.pk
- Phone: 03349867317
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.