NCT07598435 Rhythmic Initiation vs Isometric Training for Arm Recovery After Stroke
| NCT ID | NCT07598435 |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Phase | — |
| Sponsor | University of Faisalabad |
| Condition | Stroke |
| Study Type | INTERVENTIONAL |
| Enrollment | 40 participants |
| Start Date | 2026-01-19 |
| Primary Completion | 2026-05-19 |
Eligibility & Interventions
Eligibility Fast-Check
Enter your details for a quick preliminary check. This does not replace medical advice.
What to Expect as a Participant
You will actively receive the study intervention — which may be a drug, biologic, device, or procedure.
This trial targets 40 participants in total. It began in 2026-01-19 with a primary completion date of 2026-05-19.
⚠ This information is for research awareness only. Always consult your physician before joining any clinical trial. Participation is voluntary and you may withdraw at any time.
Brief Summary
Stroke is a leading cause of long-term disability worldwide. Many stroke survivors experience persistent weakness, loss of motor control, and poor coordination in their upper limb, which limits their ability to perform daily activities and return to independent living. This study compares two physical therapy approaches for patients in the subacute stage of stroke recovery (1 to 6 months after stroke). The first approach is Rhythmic Initiation, a technique from Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF) that uses smooth, guided movement patterns progressing from passive to active movement. The second approach is Isometric Resistance Training, which involves holding static muscle contractions against resistance without moving the joint. The study will enroll 40 patients aged 40 to 60 years with unilateral upper limb weakness from a first-time stroke. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either Rhythmic Initiation or Isometric Resistance Training for 30 minutes per session, 5 days per week, for 4 weeks. The researchers will measure changes in motor function, muscle strength, coordination, and spasticity before and after the 4-week intervention. The results will help physiotherapists understand which approach is more effective for upper limb rehabilitation in subacute stroke patients.
Eligibility Criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Clinically diagnosed subacute stroke (1 to 6 months post-onset) * Unilateral upper limb involvement * Age 40 to 60 years * Both genders * Medically stable and able to participate in physical therapy * Able to provide informed consent Exclusion Criteria: * Severe spasticity (Modified Ashworth Scale score \>3) * Recurrent or bilateral stroke * Shoulder subluxation * Shoulder or upper limb pain limiting active movement * Cognitive or perceptual deficits impairing ability to follow instructions * Other neurological disorder affecting upper limb (e.g., Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis) * Orthopedic condition affecting upper limb function
Contact & Investigator
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can join the NCT07598435 clinical trial?
This trial is open to participants of all sexes, aged 40 Years or older, up to 60 Years, studying Stroke. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria are listed in the Eligibility Criteria section. Always confirm your eligibility with the research team before applying.
Is NCT07598435 currently recruiting?
Yes, NCT07598435 is actively recruiting participants. Contact the research team at mariumzafar.dpt@tuf.edu.pk for enrollment information.
Where is the NCT07598435 trial being conducted?
This trial is being conducted at Faisalābad, Pakistan.
Who is sponsoring the NCT07598435 clinical trial?
NCT07598435 is sponsored by University of Faisalabad. The trial plans to enroll 40 participants.
Related Trials
Related Intelligence Guides
In-depth guides covering this condition's trials, eligibility, and what to expect.