Neuropilates and Otago Exercises on Balance, Posture and Functional Independence in Chronic Stroke

NCT07293416 | Not Yet Recruiting DMC

• 1 other identifier: REC/S24C14G37016 Zobia Tariq
• Study Type: interventional
• Target: 32
• Locations: 1 country
• Sites: 3

Brief Summary

This randomized clinical trial will be conducted at various physical therapy clinics of Faisalabad over a six-month period, enrolling a total of 32 participants selected through non probability convenience sampling technique. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of two groups: those undergoing Neuropilates and those performing Otago exercises, with each group consisting of 16 individuals. Assessments will utilize the TUG (Timed Up and Go) to evaluate balance, the Postural Assessment Scale for Stroke Patients (PASS) for posture, and the Functional Independence Measure (FIM) for functional independence. Pre-intervention assessments will establish baseline measures, followed by evaluations at 4 weeks, and post-intervention to track progress. Data analysis will be conducted using SPSS 26 software, allowing for a comprehensive comparison of the interventions' effectiveness. The findings from this study will contribute valuable insights for clinicians and rehabilitation specialists, enhancing therapeutic strategies to support chronic stroke patients in regaining their independence.

Conditions

Chronic Stroke Patients

Keywords

Balance, Chronic Stroke, Functional Independence, Neuropilates, Otago exercises.

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (3)

• The Postural Assessment Scale for Stroke (PASS)

  The Postural Assessment Scale for Stroke (PASS) is designed to evaluate postural control after stroke. It consists of 12 four-level items assessing the ability to maintain or change positions in lying, sitting, and standing. Scores range from 0 to 36, with 0-12 indicating poor, 13-24 moderate, and 25-36 good postural control. The PASS has excellent inter-rater reliability (α = 0.88, range 0.64-1) and total score reliability (r = 0.99, p \< 0.001). Test-retest reliability in chronic stroke patients is also high (ICC = 0.84-0.97).

  baseline, 4thweek, 8thweek

• The Functional Independence Measure (FIM)

  The Functional Independence Measure (FIM) is used to assess the functional independence of individuals recovering from illness or disability. It includes 18 items covering self-care, mobility, locomotion, communication, and social cognition. Each item is rated on a 7-point scale (1 = total dependence to 7 = complete independence), giving a total score between 18 and 126. Higher scores indicate greater independence. The FIM demonstrates high inter-rater reliability (ICC = 0.86-0.88).

  baseline, 4thweek, 8thweek

• Timed Up and Go (TUG)

  The Timed Up and Go (TUG) test is a simple, quick, and reliable tool used to assess mobility, balance, and fall risk in individuals with neurological or musculoskeletal conditions. It measures the time taken to stand up from a chair, walk three meters, turn, return, and sit down. A cut-off time of 12 seconds or more indicates a high risk of falling. The test is suitable for people with stroke, Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, hip fracture, or joint replacement. It requires only a chair, stopwatch, and three-meter mark and allows observation of gait, stability, and use of aids. The test shows a sensitivity and specificity of about 87% for identifying fall risk in the elderly population.

  baseline, 4thweek , 8thweek

Study Arms (2)

Group A : Neuropilates

EXPERIMENTAL

This group will receive 50 minutes session of Neuropilates thrice a week for total of eight weeks which will include activation warm-up exercises for 10 minutes, main exercises for 30 minutes and cool-down exercises for 10 minutes

Other: neuropilates

Group B : Otago Exercise Program

ACTIVE COMPARATOR

This group will receive 50 minutes each session of Otago exercise thrice a week for total of eight weeks which will include, muscle strengthening, balance training and 2x week 30 minutes walking session. Depending on the individual's strength and mobility, the exercises will be progressed, by increasing the amount of repetitions or weight

Other: otago exercises

Interventions

neuropilates OTHER

50 minutes session of Neuropilates thrice a week for total of eight weeks which will include activation warm-up exercises for 10 minutes, main exercises for 30 minutes and cool-down exercises for 10 minutes

Group A : Neuropilates

otago exercises OTHER

50 minutes each session of Otago exercise thrice a week for total of eight weeks which will include, muscle strengthening, balance training and 2x week 30 minutes walking session. Depending on the individual's strength and mobility, the exercises will be progressed, by increasing the amount of repetitions or weight

Group B : Otago Exercise Program

Eligibility Criteria

• Age: 40 Years - 70 Years
• Sex: all
• Healthy Volunteers: No
• Age Groups: Adult (18-64), Older Adult (65+)

You may qualify if:

• Age 40-70 years
• Both male and female
• Chronic stroke, 6-18 months post-stroke
• Stroke severity score \>6 on NIHSS
• MMSE ≥24

You may not qualify if:

• Symptoms of global or receptive aphasia
• Other neurological disorders: tumors, anoxia, TBI, neurodegenerative diseases, ataxia.
• Significant cardiorespiratory conditions
• Currently receiving other complementary interventions
• Severe motor impairment preventing safe participation

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Riphah International University: lead

Study Sites (3)

Al-Mahmood Physiotherapy Clinic

Faisalabad, Pakistan

Location

Faisal Hospital Faisalabad

Faisalabad, Pakistan

Location

Syeda Khatoon e Jannat Trust Hospital

Faisalabad, Pakistan

Location

Related Publications (2)

• Cronin E, Broderick P, Clark H, Monaghan K. What are the effects of pilates in the post stroke population? A systematic literature review & meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials. J Bodyw Mov Ther. 2023 Jan;33:223-232. doi: 10.1016/j.jbmt.2022.09.028. Epub 2022 Sep 29.

  PMID: 36775522 BACKGROUND

• Chen SC, Lin CH, Su SW, Chang YT, Lai CH. Feasibility and effect of interactive telerehabilitation on balance in individuals with chronic stroke: a pilot study. J Neuroeng Rehabil. 2021 Apr 26;18(1):71. doi: 10.1186/s12984-021-00866-8.

  PMID: 33902646 BACKGROUND

Study Officials

• Binash Afzal

  Riphah International University

  PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR

Central Study Contacts

Zobia Tariq, MS-NMPT

CONTACT

03321751888; zobiatariqmul@gmail.com

Study Design

• Study Type: interventional
• Phase: not applicable
• Allocation: RANDOMIZED
• Masking: SINGLE
• Who Masked: OUTCOMES ASSESSOR
• Purpose: TREATMENT
• Intervention Model: PARALLEL
• Sponsor Type: OTHER
• Responsible Party: SPONSOR

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: December 8, 2025
• First Posted: December 19, 2025
• Study Start: December 1, 2025
• Primary Completion: April 12, 2026
• Study Completion: April 30, 2026
• Last Updated: December 19, 2025

Record last verified: 2025-12

Data Sharing

• IPD Sharing: Will not share

Locations

PA (3)