Ultrasonographic Evaluation of Morphological and Functional Characteristics of Intercostal Muscles in Stroke Patients and Their Relationship With Clinical Parameters

NCT07670585 | Not Yet Recruiting

• 1 other identifier: MarmaraU-FTR-OK-4
• Study Type: observational
• Target: 65
• Locations: 1 country
• Sites: 1

Brief Summary

The aim of this study is to evaluate the morphological and functional characteristics of parasternal intercostal muscles in patients with stroke using ultrasonography. Parasternal intercostal muscle thickness and thickening fraction will be assessed on both the hemiplegic and non-hemiplegic sides. The relationship between ultrasonographic findings and respiratory muscle strength, motor function, balance, functional independence, and quality of life will also be investigated. A healthy control group will be included to establish reference values and enable comparative analyses.

Conditions

Stroke

Keywords

stroke; intercostal muscle thickness; interkostal muscle thickening; diaphragm thickness

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (1)

• Parasternal Intercostal Muscle Thickening Fraction (ICTf)

  Ultrasonographic assessment of parasternal intercostal muscle contractility. Thickening fraction will be calculated as: (Inspiratory Thickness - Expiratory Thickness) / Expiratory Thickness × 100. Higher values indicate greater inspiratory muscle contractile activity. Comparison will be performed between the hemiplegic and non-hemiplegic sides.

  Baseline

Secondary Outcomes (10)

• Parasternal Intercostal Muscle Thickness

  Baseline

• Intercostal Muscle Asymmetry Index

  Baseline

• Relative Hemiplegic Deficit

  Baseline

• Diaphragm Thickening Fraction

  Baseline

• Maximal Inspiratory Pressure (MIP)

  Baseline

Study Arms (2)

Group 1: Stroke Patients

Adults aged 18-75 years with a history of ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke who meet the study eligibility criteria. A minimum of 40 participants will be enrolled in this group.

Group 2: Healthy Controls

Age-eligible healthy volunteers without a history of stroke, neurological disease, chronic respiratory disease, chest wall deformity, or systemic disease affecting muscle function. A minimum of 25 participants will be enrolled in this group.

Eligibility Criteria

• Age: 18 Years - 75 Years
• Sex: all
• Healthy Volunteers: Yes
• Age Groups: Adult (18-64), Older Adult (65+)
• Sampling Method: Non-Probability Sample

Study Population

Adults with a history of ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke attending the outpatient Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation clinic of Marmara University, and age-eligible healthy volunteers recruited as controls.

You may qualify if:

• Age between 18 and 75 years.
• History of ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke.
• Ability to understand and comply with study procedures.
• Provision of written informed consent.

You may not qualify if:

• Presence of acute or chronic pulmonary disease.
• History of thoracic or abdominal surgery.
• Presence of another neuromuscular disorder.
• Aphasia or cognitive impairment preventing participation in assessments.
• Active malignancy.
• Age between 18 and 75 years.
• Willingness to participate in the study.
• Provision of written informed consent.
• History of stroke or other neurological disorders.
• History of chronic respiratory disease (e.g., COPD, asthma).
• Chest wall deformity.
• Presence of systemic diseases that may affect muscle function.

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Marmara University: lead

Study Sites (1)

Marmara Üniversitesi Tıp Fakültesi

Istanbul, Maltepe, 34854, Turkey (Türkiye)

Location

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

Oguzhan Kasimoglu

CONTACT

+905448911835; kasimogluoguzhan@gmail.com

Ozge Kenis Coskun

CONTACT

ozgekenis@gmail.com

Study Design

• Study Type: observational
• Observational Model: CASE CONTROL
• Time Perspective: CROSS SECTIONAL
• Sponsor Type: OTHER
• Responsible Party: SPONSOR

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: June 22, 2026
• First Posted: June 26, 2026
• Study Start: July 15, 2026
• Primary Completion (Estimated): September 15, 2026
• Study Completion (Estimated): October 1, 2026
• Last Updated: June 26, 2026

Record last verified: 2026-06

Data Sharing

• IPD Sharing: Will not share

Locations

TU (1)