NCT06739733

Effectiveness of Soft Robotic Glove Versus EMS on Hand Function and Quality of Life in Stroke Survivors (RCT)

Effectiveness of Soft Robotic Glove Versus EMS on Hand Function and Quality of Life in Stroke Survivors. A Randomized Clinical Trial

• Status: Active Not Recruiting
• Phase: N/A
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 36 (actual)
• Sponsor: Superior University · Academic / Other
• Sex: All
• Age: 50 Years – 70 Years
• Healthy volunteers: Not accepted

Summary

This study will evaluate the effectiveness of soft robotic gloves versus electrical muscle stimulation (EMS) in improving hand function and quality of life in stroke survivors. Stroke often leads to impaired hand mobility, impacting daily activities and reducing overall quality of life. Soft robotic gloves, designed to assist with hand movement, will provide mechanical support and encourage voluntary muscle activity. EMS, on the other hand, will stimulate muscle contraction through electrical impulses, potentially enhancing muscle strength and coordination.

Detailed description

Participants will be divided into two groups: one will receive treatment using soft robotic gloves, and the other with EMS. Outcomes will be assessed using standardized hand function tests and quality-of-life questionnaires over a specified period. Results are expected to indicate that both interventions will improve hand function and quality of life, with the robotic gloves showing a marginally greater improvement in dexterity and grip strength, while EMS will yield benefits in muscle reactivation and endurance. Stroke survivors in the robotic glove group are anticipated to report greater ease in performing daily tasks, while the EMS group will note an increase in muscle engagement.

Conditions

• Stroke

Interventions

Type	Name	Description
DIAGNOSTIC_TEST	SRG	Soft robotic gloves stimulation 30-minute sessions, 5 times per week upto 8 week Soft robotic gloves are assistive devices designed to enhance hand function for individuals with disabilities or injuries. These gloves use flexible materials, such as silicone or fabric, combined with pneumatic or cable-driven mechanisms to mimic natural hand movements. They provide assistance for gripping, holding, or manipulating objects, often controlled by sensors or user inputs. Soft robotic gloves are lightweight, adaptable, and offer rehabilitation potential, helping restore motor function in conditions like stroke or spinal cord injury. They are increasingly used in clinical and home-based therapy settings.
DIAGNOSTIC_TEST	EMS	Electrical muscle stimulation 30-minute sessions, 5 times per week upto 8 weeks. Electrical Muscle Stimulation (EMS) is a technique that uses electrical impulses to contract muscles, often used for rehabilitation, strength training, or pain management. Electrodes placed on the skin deliver controlled currents to target specific muscle groups, mimicking natural nerve signals. EMS is commonly used in physiotherapy to prevent muscle atrophy, improve circulation, and enhance recovery after injury. It is also utilized in fitness and sports for performance enhancement. Safe and non-invasive, EMS can be adjusted for therapeutic or functional goals.

Timeline

• Start date: 2024-03-01
• Primary completion: 2024-10-01
• Completion: 2025-03-01
• First posted: 2024-12-18
• Last updated: 2024-12-18

Locations

1 site across 1 country: Pakistan