NCT07093983

Comparing Two Therapies to Improve Arm Function After Stroke

Coupling Rehabilitation Versus Constraint Induced Movement Therapy in Post Stroke Patients With Upper Limb Impairment

• Status: Not Yet Recruiting
• Phase: N/A
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 80 (estimated)
• Sponsor: University of Lahore · Academic / Other
• Sex: All
• Age: 40 Years – 65 Years
• Healthy volunteers: Not accepted

Summary

This clinical trial aims to compare the effects of coupling rehabilitation and constraint-induced movement therapy (CIMT) on improving arm function, hand skills, and daily activity performance in people who have upper limb weakness after a stroke. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of two groups and receive 12 weeks of therapy, including either CIMT or coupling rehabilitation along with conventional physical therapy. The study will evaluate which method is more effective in restoring movement and independence by using standardized assessments before, during, and after the intervention. The findings may help guide future rehabilitation approaches for stroke survivors

Detailed description

This study focuses on improving upper limb recovery in people who have experienced a stroke. Stroke often leads to long-term weakness or difficulty using one arm, which can limit a person's ability to perform everyday tasks such as dressing, eating, or writing. The study explores two promising rehabilitation strategies-Constraint-Induced Movement Therapy (CIMT) and Coupling Rehabilitation-that may help improve arm movement, hand coordination, and independence in daily life. Participants will take part in therapy sessions over a 12-week period, during which they will engage in structured, goal-oriented exercises tailored to their physical abilities. The research team will monitor changes in motor function and hand dexterity through standard assessments administered at the beginning, mid-point, and end of the study. By comparing outcomes between the two groups, the study seeks to identify which therapy method is more effective in promoting functional recovery after stroke, with the goal of enhancing rehabilitation practices in clinical settings.

Conditions

• Stroke

Interventions

Type	Name	Description
OTHER	Constraint-Induced Movement Therapy (CIMT)	Participants in this group will receive modified CIMT in combination with conventional physical therapy. The unaffected arm will be restrained to encourage use of the affected upper limb. Task-specific exercises will include fine motor tasks, strengthening, reaching, and functional movement training. Each session will last approximately 45-60 minutes and will be conducted three times per week for 12 weeks.
OTHER	Coupling Rehabilitation	Participants in this group will receive Coupling Rehabilitation in addition to conventional physical therapy. This method involves bilateral arm training and functional tasks designed to improve coordination between both upper limbs, using the unaffected limb to guide movement in the affected one. Exercises will include trunk-supported reaching, object retrieval, and posture-supported task practice. Sessions will occur three times per week for 12 weeks, each lasting approximately 45-60 minutes.

Timeline

• Start date: 2025-08-05
• Primary completion: 2026-04-01
• Completion: 2026-05-01
• First posted: 2025-07-30
• Last updated: 2025-08-03

Locations

1 site across 1 country: Pakistan