NCT07531381

Effect of Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation With Task Oriented Training on Upper Extremity Function in Stroke Patients

• Status: Completed
• Phase: N/A
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 45 (actual)
• Sponsor: Cairo University · Academic / Other
• Sex: All
• Age: 55 Years – 65 Years
• Healthy volunteers: Not accepted

Summary

The current study aims to determine the effect of neuromuscular electrical stimulation combined with task-oriented training on upper limb function in patients with stroke.

Detailed description

Upper limb dysfunction following stroke is a major cause of disability, limiting independence in daily activities and reducing quality of life. Improving upper limb function is therefore a primary goal in stroke rehabilitation. Neuromuscular electrical stimulation is widely used in clinical practice to manage spasticity, improve muscle strength, enhance joint mobility, and prevent contractures. Task-oriented training, on the other hand, emphasizes functional task performance and motor relearning. Despite the widespread use of both approaches, there is limited evidence regarding their combined effectiveness. Therefore, this study is important to evaluate whether integrating NMES with task-oriented training can provide superior outcomes in upper limb rehabilitation after stroke.

Conditions

• Stroke

Interventions

Type	Name	Description
DEVICE	Neuromuscular electrical stimulation	Surface electrodes will be applied over the motor points of the supraspinatus and deltoid muscles on the paretic side, as well as over the wrist extensors on the dorsal forearm. Electrical stimulation will be delivered using a symmetrical biphasic waveform at a frequency of 30 Hz and a pulse width of 300 μs, with ramp-up and ramp-down times of 1 second each. The current intensity will be adjusted to the patient's maximum tolerance, up to 90 mA. The intervention will be administered for 30 minutes, three times per week, over a period of 6 weeks using the Gymna 400 Series device, with patients positioned in sitting, while participants in Group 2 will not receive electrical stimulation.
OTHER	Task-oriented training	Task-specific training (TST) will include six functional tasks based on the motor relearning approach: drinking from a glass, lifting a cup to 90° shoulder flexion, transferring tennis balls, table polishing, moving a cone, and hair combing. Each session will last 60 minutes (10-minute warm-up + 50-minute training). Tasks will be repeated 10-20 times for 1-5 sets or 2-5 minutes, with 2-minute rest breaks every 15 minutes. Tasks will be demonstrated using the non-affected upper limb. Performance will be passive or assisted depending on ability, with gradual progression in speed, distance, and resistance. Verbal, visual, and proprioceptive feedback will be provided to ensure proper execution.
OTHER	Designed physical therapy program	Patients will receive a designed physical therapy program in the form of stretching exercises and strengthening exercises, three times per week for 6 weeks.

Timeline

• Start date: 2025-11-01
• Primary completion: 2026-03-01
• Completion: 2026-03-31
• First posted: 2026-04-15
• Last updated: 2026-04-15

Locations

1 site across 1 country: Egypt