NCT07423455

Electrotherapeutic Interventions for Glenohumeral Subluxation After Stroke

Comparison of the Clinical and Sonographic Outcomes of NMES and EMG Biofeedback Therapies in Stroke Patients With Glenohumeral Subluxation: Randomized Clinical Trial

• Status: Not Yet Recruiting
• Phase: N/A
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 36 (estimated)
• Sponsor: Şahide Eda ARTUÇ · Academic / Other
• Sex: All
• Age: 18 Years
• Healthy volunteers: Not accepted

Summary

The aim of this single-blind randomized controlled trial is to compare the effects of two therapies-neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) and electromyographic (EMG) biofeedback-in stroke patients with shoulder (glenohumeral) subluxation. The study will evaluate changes in shoulder structure and function by measuring the acromion-greater tuberosity distance, supraspinatus and posterior deltoid muscle thickness, shoulder range of motion, and Brunnstrom stage of the upper extremity and hand. Clinical outcomes such as shoulder pain, stroke-specific quality of life, and the Shoulder Pain and Disability Index (SPADI) will also be assessed. This trial is designed to provide evidence on which therapy may be more effective for improving shoulder stability, reducing pain, and enhancing quality of life in stroke survivors with shoulder subluxation.

Detailed description

Shoulder (glenohumeral) subluxation is a common complication after stroke and is associated with pain, impaired upper limb function, and decreased quality of life. Despite the availability of different rehabilitation methods, there is still no clear consensus on the most effective approach for managing post-stroke shoulder subluxation. The aim of this single-blind, randomized controlled trial is to compare the effects of two electrotherapeutic interventions-neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) and electromyographic (EMG) biofeedback-on both structural and functional outcomes in stroke patients with glenohumeral subluxation. Participants will be randomly assigned to either the NMES group or the EMG biofeedback group, in addition to receiving standard rehabilitation. The study will evaluate structural outcomes using ultrasonographic measures, including the acromion-greater tuberosity distance and supraspinatus and posterior deltoid muscle thickness. Functional outcomes will include shoulder range of motion and Brunnstrom stages of the upper extremity and hand. Clinical outcomes will be assessed using pain scores, the Stroke-Specific Quality of Life Scale, and the Shoulder Pain and Disability Index (SPADI). This trial is expected to provide evidence regarding the comparative effectiveness of NMES and EMG biofeedback in improving shoulder stability, reducing pain, and enhancing functional recovery and quality of life in stroke survivors with shoulder subluxation.

Conditions

• Glenohumeral Subluxation
• Stroke

Interventions

Type	Name	Description
DEVICE	Neuromuscular electrical stimulation	Neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) will be administered to the supraspinatus and posterior deltoid muscles for 20 minutes daily, five days per week, over a period of three weeks, totaling 15 treatment sessions. All groups will undergo a conventional physiotherapy program consisting of 45-minute sessions, five days per week, for three weeks, totaling 15 sessions. The program will comprise range of motion exercises, stretching, progressive resistive exercises, and activities of daily living-oriented exercises.
DEVICE	Electromyographic (EMG) biofeedback	Electromyographic (EMG) biofeedback therapy will be applied to the supraspinatus and posterior deltoid muscles for 20 minutes daily, five days per week, over a period of three weeks, totaling 15 treatment sessions. All groups will undergo a conventional physiotherapy program consisting of 45-minute sessions, five days per week, for three weeks, totaling 15 sessions. The program will comprise range of motion exercises, stretching, progressive resistive exercises, and activities of daily living-oriented exercises.
OTHER	Conventional physiotherapy	This group will participate exclusively in a conventional physiotherapy program for 45 minutes daily, five days per week, over a period of three weeks, totaling 15 sessions. The conventional program will include range of motion exercises, stretching, progressive resistive exercises, and exercises targeting activities of daily living.

Timeline

• Start date: 2026-02-27
• Primary completion: 2026-09-27
• Completion: 2026-12-27
• First posted: 2026-02-20
• Last updated: 2026-02-20

Locations

1 site across 1 country: Turkey (Türkiye)