Boccia Exercises and Upper Limb Muscle Adaptations in Hemiparetic Individuals

NCT07254273 | Completed

• 1 other identifier: E-15604681-100-234561
• Study Type: interventional
• Target: 22
• Locations: 1 country
• Sites: 1

Brief Summary

This study investigates whether adding Boccia exercises to conventional rehabilitation improves upper extremity muscle thickness and grip strength in individuals with hemiparesis following stroke. The research aims to determine if Boccia training can enhance muscle morphology and functional strength beyond standard physical therapy.

Conditions

Hemiparesis After Stroke

Keywords

Stroke; ultrasound; upper extremity; hemiparatic; muscle thickness

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (1)

• upper extremity muscle thickness

  Muscle thickness of selected upper extremity muscles (e.g., biceps brachii, triceps brachii, deltoid) is measured using ultrasonography. Measurements are taken at standard anatomic locations with the participant in a relaxed, resting position. Thickness is recorded in millimeters (mm) and represents the distance between the superficial and deep aponeuroses of the muscle. Assessments are performed before (baseline) and after (8 weeks) the intervention by blinded assessors to assess changes in muscle morphology.

  8 weeks

Secondary Outcomes (1)

• Grip Strength

  8 weeks

Study Arms (2)

Boccia Exercise Group

EXPERIMENTAL

Participants in this group will receive conventional physical therapy combined with Boccia exercises three times per week for 8 weeks. Each session lasts approximately 45-60 minutes and includes warm-up, Boccia skill drills (target aiming, throwing control), and cool-down activities.

Other: Boccia exercise; Other: physiotherapy

Control Group

ACTIVE COMPARATOR

Participants in this group will receive only conventional physical therapy three times per week for 8 weeks. The program includes strengthening, range of motion, and task-specific functional exercises matched in duration and frequency to the experimental group.

Other: physiotherapy

Interventions

Boccia exercise OTHER

Boccia exercises differ significantly from other rehabilitation interventions for individuals with physical disabilities. Traditional physical therapy or exercise programs often involve repetitive, motivating movements that lack motivation and cannot be directly linked to individuals' daily activities. However, thanks to its game-based structure, Boccia offers a fun and functional exercise platform. This increases individuals' motivation to participate, facilitates continuity, and brings a more natural setting to the rehabilitation process. Furthermore, Boccia supports the active use of upper extremity muscles and the development of balance and coordination, while also encouraging social interaction and a sense of competition. Therefore, Boccia's game-based and accessible structure offers a more applicable and sustainable approach to developing motor skills and increasing functional independence in individuals with physical disabilities compared to other traditional interventions.

Boccia Exercise Group

physiotherapy OTHER

Conventional physical therapy (physiotherapy) is a proven rehabilitation approach aimed at improving upper extremity function, muscle strength, and range of motion in hemiparetic individuals who have had a stroke. The program includes strengthening exercises, joint mobilization, task-oriented functional activities, and motor relearning techniques. Sessions are individualized and tailored to the participant's clinical condition to increase independent participation in activities of daily living in hemiparetic individuals. Regular and structured practice helps prevent the development of muscle atrophy and contractures and maximize functional gains.

Boccia Exercise Group; Control Group

Eligibility Criteria

• Age: 18 Years - 75 Years
• Sex: all
• Healthy Volunteers: No
• Age Groups: Adult (18-64), Older Adult (65+)

You may qualify if:

• Adults aged 18-75
• Having had a stroke within the last 6-24 months and diagnosed with hemiparesis
• Mild to moderate motor function loss in the upper extremity (e.g., Fugl-Meyer Upper Extremity Score ≥ 20/66)
• Clinically stable individuals eligible to participate in sessions
• Be conscious, cognitively able to follow instructions, and consent
• Be physically fit enough to participate in exercise at least 3 days a week

You may not qualify if:

• Limited upper extremity movement due to severe spasticity, contracture, or joint deformity (Modified Ashworth Scale ≥ 3)
• Contraindication to exercise due to severe cardiovascular, pulmonary, or systemic disease
• Serious diseases other than neurological disorders (e.g., Parkinson's, MS, tumor)
• History of upper extremity surgery or trauma within the last 6 months
• Inability to exercise due to severe pain, infection, or skin lesions
• Inability to follow instructions due to psychiatric or cognitive impairment
• Concurrent participation in other clinical trials

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Bayburt University: lead

Study Sites (1)

Bayburt Unıversity

Bayburt, Merkez, 69000, Turkey (Türkiye)

Location

MeSH Terms

Conditions

Stroke

Interventions

Physical Therapy Modalities

Condition Hierarchy (Ancestors)

Cerebrovascular Disorders; Brain Diseases; Central Nervous System Diseases; Nervous System Diseases; Vascular Diseases; Cardiovascular Diseases

Intervention Hierarchy (Ancestors)

Therapeutics; Rehabilitation

Study Officials

• EMRE B HAZAR, Master Degree

  Bayburt University

  PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR

Study Design

• Study Type: interventional
• Phase: not applicable
• Allocation: RANDOMIZED
• Masking: DOUBLE
• Who Masked: INVESTIGATOR, OUTCOMES ASSESSOR
• Purpose: TREATMENT
• Intervention Model: PARALLEL
• Sponsor Type: OTHER
• Responsible Party: PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
• PI Title: Research Assistant

Model Details: Interventional Study Model: Design: Randomized Controlled, Parallel Assignment, Pretest-Posttest Design Allocation: Randomized Intervention Model: Parallel Assignment Masking: Single (Outcomes Assessor) Primary Purpose: Treatment / Rehabilitation

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: November 13, 2025
• First Posted: November 28, 2025
• Study Start: October 24, 2024
• Primary Completion: November 1, 2024
• Study Completion: January 20, 2025
• Last Updated: November 28, 2025

Record last verified: 2025-11

Data Sharing

• IPD Sharing: Will not share

Locations

TU (1)