Unilateral Versus Bilateral Task-specific Training on Motor Impairment, Upper Extremity Function, and Hand Dexterity in Post-Stroke Rehabilitation

NCT07523503 | Recruiting

• 1 other identifier: TUF/EIRB/165/26
• Study Type: interventional
• Target: 32
• Locations: 1 country
• Sites: 1

Brief Summary

This randomized clinical trial will examine upper limb rehabilitation in individuals recovering from stroke. The study will compare unilateral and bilateral task-oriented training approaches to determine their relative effectiveness. Thirty-two medically stable participants with active shoulder movement and adequate cognition will be enrolled into two groups. Both groups will receive structured training for four weeks. Outcomes related to motor function and dexterity will be measured using standardized assessment tools. The aim is to identify the more effective strategy for improving upper extremity function after stroke.

Conditions

Stroke

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (1)

• Motor recovery and upper extremity function

  Motor recovery and upper extremity performance will be assessed using Fugl-Meyer Assessment for Upper Extremity (FMA-UE). This scale assesses upper limb motor function by examining reflex activity, voluntary movements and movement synergy patterns. It allows systemic tracking of recovery over time.

  Four weeks

Secondary Outcomes (1)

• Hand dexterity

  Four weeks

Study Arms (2)

Unilateral task oriented training with Electrical Muscle Stimulation

EXPERIMENTAL

Procedure: Unilateral task oriented training (UTOT) with baseline EMS

Bilateral task oriented training with Electrical Muscle Stimulation

ACTIVE COMPARATOR

Procedure: Bilateral task oriented training (BTOT) with baseline EMS

Interventions

Unilateral task oriented training (UTOT) with baseline EMS PROCEDURE

Baseline: EMS applied to target muscles (depending on requirement of patient like wrist and finger extensors) with 15-20 minutes duration Treatment: Task oriented functional exercises performed only with affected arm. Task progress from simple to complex e.g. drinking form a cup, lifting a glass to 90° flexion of shoulder, polishing a table, and hair combing. Visual, verbal, or proprioceptive feedback provided to support motor learning. Sessions conducted 4 times/week for 4 weeks.

Unilateral task oriented training with Electrical Muscle Stimulation

Bilateral task oriented training (BTOT) with baseline EMS PROCEDURE

Baseline: EMS applied to target muscles (depending on requirement of patient like wrist and finger extensors) with 15-20 minutes duration Treatment: Same tasks previous group, but performed by both upper limbs, simultaneously in a coordinated manner. Intensity, duration and task complexity matched with UTOT group to ensure comparability. Therapist provides cueing and feedback to maintain proper movement and progression. Sessions conducted 4 times/week for 4 weeks.

Bilateral task oriented training with Electrical Muscle Stimulation

Eligibility Criteria

• Age: 40 Years - 75 Years
• Sex: all
• Healthy Volunteers: No
• Age Groups: Adult (18-64), Older Adult (65+)

You may qualify if:

• Age between 40 and 75 years
• Clinically diagnosed stroke (no more than three lifetime episodes)
• Stroke duration between 6 to 24 months
• Ability to perform antigravity shoulder movement with the paretic limb
• Abbreviated Mental Test score ≥ 7
• Medically stable and capable of giving consent

You may not qualify if:

• Uncontrolled systemic conditions (e.g. Unstable cardiac conditions)
• Major orthopedic issues affecting the involved upper limb
• Hearing deficits
• Allergy to electrodes
• Receptive aphasia or severe language impairment
• Severe joint contracture limiting required upper limb movements

Sponsors & Collaborators

• University of Faisalabad: lead

Study Sites (1)

Hospitals

Kot Addu, Pakistan

RECRUITING

MeSH Terms

Conditions

Stroke

Condition Hierarchy (Ancestors)

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

Central Study Contacts

Dr Izza Ayub Principal Investigator

CONTACT

(041) 8868326; drizzaayub@gmail.com

Dr Ayesha Principal Investigator

CONTACT

Ayeshaanwarulhaq12@gmail.com

Study Design

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

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: April 5, 2026
• First Posted: April 13, 2026
• Study Start: April 5, 2026
• Primary Completion: May 5, 2026
• Study Completion (Estimated): May 15, 2026
• Last Updated: April 13, 2026

Record last verified: 2026-04

Locations

PA (1)