NCT07254273

Boccia Exercises and Upper Limb Muscle Adaptations in Hemiparetic Individuals

Effects of Boccia Exercises on Upper Extremity Muscle Thickness and Grip Strength in Hemiparetic Individuals: A Randomized Controlled Trial

• Status: Completed
• Phase: N/A
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 22 (actual)
• Sponsor: Bayburt University · Academic / Other
• Sex: All
• Age: 18 Years – 75 Years
• Healthy volunteers: Not accepted

Summary

This study investigates whether adding Boccia exercises to conventional rehabilitation improves upper extremity muscle thickness and grip strength in individuals with hemiparesis following stroke. The research aims to determine if Boccia training can enhance muscle morphology and functional strength beyond standard physical therapy.

Detailed description

Loss of upper extremity function after stroke significantly reduces independence in daily living. Changes in muscle morphology (muscle thickness, echogenicity, pennation, etc.) can affect strength, coordination, and functional performance. Boccia is a sport originally designed for individuals with special needs, encouraging hand-eye coordination, targeting, and force-controlled repetitions. Due to these characteristics, it has been suggested that boccia may positively impact both motor control and muscle tone; however, its effects on muscle morphology and grip strength in hemiparetic individuals have been limitedly studied. This study will investigate the contribution of boccia exercises to conventional physiotherapy on upper extremity muscle thickness and grip strength. Primary objective: To evaluate whether boccia exercises provide significant improvements in upper extremity muscle thickness and grip strength after hemiparesis, in addition to conventional physical therapy. Hypothesis: Participants who receive up to nine weeks of extended or eight weeks (8 weeks in the protocol) of boccia practice will show greater improvements in upper extremity muscle thickness and grip strength than those who receive conventional physical therapy alone. This study is a parallel-group, random assignment controlled trial. The total sample included 22 stroke (hemiparetic) individuals; participants were randomly assigned to two groups: Boccia + physical therapy (Boc, n = 12) and physical therapy alone (Ctrl, n = 10). Assessments will be conducted at pre-intervention (baseline) and post-intervention (after 8 weeks). Assessors will be blinded to the measurements; complete blinding of operators and participants is not possible.

Conditions

• Hemiparesis After Stroke

Interventions

Type	Name	Description
OTHER	Boccia exercise	Boccia exercises differ significantly from other rehabilitation interventions for individuals with physical disabilities. Traditional physical therapy or exercise programs often involve repetitive, motivating movements that lack motivation and cannot be directly linked to individuals' daily activities. However, thanks to its game-based structure, Boccia offers a fun and functional exercise platform. This increases individuals' motivation to participate, facilitates continuity, and brings a more natural setting to the rehabilitation process. Furthermore, Boccia supports the active use of upper extremity muscles and the development of balance and coordination, while also encouraging social interaction and a sense of competition. Therefore, Boccia's game-based and accessible structure offers a more applicable and sustainable approach to developing motor skills and increasing functional independence in individuals with physical disabilities compared to other traditional interventions.
OTHER	physiotherapy	Conventional physical therapy (physiotherapy) is a proven rehabilitation approach aimed at improving upper extremity function, muscle strength, and range of motion in hemiparetic individuals who have had a stroke. The program includes strengthening exercises, joint mobilization, task-oriented functional activities, and motor relearning techniques. Sessions are individualized and tailored to the participant's clinical condition to increase independent participation in activities of daily living in hemiparetic individuals. Regular and structured practice helps prevent the development of muscle atrophy and contractures and maximize functional gains.

Timeline

• Start date: 2024-10-24
• Primary completion: 2024-11-01
• Completion: 2025-01-20
• First posted: 2025-11-28
• Last updated: 2025-11-28

Locations

1 site across 1 country: Turkey (Türkiye)