NCT06914115

Effect of Transcutaneous Auricular Nerve Stimulation vs Body Rocking Exercises on Spasticity of Upper Limb

Effect of Transcutaneous Auricular Nerve Stimulation vs Body Rocking Exercises on Spasticity of Upper Limb in Young Stroke Patients

• Status: Active Not Recruiting
• Phase: N/A
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 42 (actual)
• Sponsor: Superior University · Academic / Other
• Sex: All
• Age: 35 Years – 50 Years
• Healthy volunteers: Not accepted

Summary

The primary aim of this study is to compare the effect of TANS and body rocking exercises on reducing upper limb spasticity in young stroke patients( under 50). Specific objectives include evaluating changes in muscle tone, motor function, pain reduction, and functional independence following each intervention.

Detailed description

This randomized controlled trial, RCT, will involve 42 young stroke patients with upper limb spasticity randomly assigned to three groups, transcutaneous auricular nerve stimulation, body rocking exercise, or control group, usually rehabilitation. Participants will receive 30-minute transcutaneous nerve stimulation session or 20 to 30-minute body rocking exercise in session 3 to 4 times a week over an 8-week period. Key outcome measures include the Modified Ashworth Scale for Spasticity, the Fusel-Meyer Assessment for Motor Function, the Numeric Rating Scale for Pain, and Stroke Impact Scale for Functional Independence.

Conditions

• Spasticity, Muscle

Interventions

Type	Name	Description
COMBINATION_PRODUCT	TANS Group	The TANS Group will receive low-frequency electrical stimulation (20-30 Hz) via a TENS device on the auricular vagus nerve for 30 minutes, 3-4 times per week for 8 weeks. This non-invasive therapy aims to reduce spasticity, enhance neuroplasticity, and improve motor function and independence, assessed through standardized scales.
COMBINATION_PRODUCT	Body Rocking Exercise	Group 2: Body Rocking Exercise Group Participants will perform rhythmic body rocking exercises for 20-30 minutes, 3-4 times per week for 8 weeks to reduce spasticity and improve motor coordination. Group 3: Control Group (Usual Rehabilitation) Participants will receive standard stroke rehabilitation (therapy, stretching, functional training) for 20-30 minutes, 3-4 times per week for 8 weeks as a baseline comparison.

Timeline

• Start date: 2025-03-20
• Primary completion: 2025-06-20
• Completion: 2026-02-20
• First posted: 2025-04-06
• Last updated: 2025-04-06

Locations

1 site across 1 country: Pakistan