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Rhythmic Initiation vs Isometric Training for Arm Recovery After Stroke

NCT07598435 · Status: RECRUITING · Phase: NA · Type: INTERVENTIONAL · Enrollment: 40

Last updated 2026-05-20

No results posted yet for this study

Summary

Stroke is a leading cause of long-term disability worldwide. Many stroke survivors experience persistent weakness, loss of motor control, and poor coordination in their upper limb, which limits their ability to perform daily activities and return to independent living. This study compares two physical therapy approaches for patients in the subacute stage of stroke recovery (1 to 6 months after stroke). The first approach is Rhythmic Initiation, a technique from Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF) that uses smooth, guided movement patterns progressing from passive to active movement. The second approach is Isometric Resistance Training, which involves holding static muscle contractions against resistance without moving the joint. The study will enroll 40 patients aged 40 to 60 years with unilateral upper limb weakness from a first-time stroke. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either Rhythmic Initiation or Isometric Resistance Training for 30 minutes per session, 5 days per week, for 4 weeks. The researchers will measure changes in motor function, muscle strength, coordination, and spasticity before and after the 4-week intervention. The results will help physiotherapists understand which approach is more effective for upper limb rehabilitation in subacute stroke patients.

Conditions

  • Stroke
  • Upper Extremity Paresis

Interventions

OTHER

Rhythmic Initiation (PNF technique)

What: Rhythmic Initiation technique from PNF. How: Therapist guides patient's affected upper limb through a four-step sequence-passive movement (therapist moves limb), active-assistive movement (patient helps with therapist assistance), active movement (patient moves independently), and light resisted movement (therapist adds gentle resistance). The movement follows PNF diagonal pattern D1 (flexion-adduction-external rotation to extension-abduction-internal rotation) or D2. Verbal cues emphasize smooth, rhythmic motion. When: 30 minutes per session, 5 days per week. How long: 4 weeks total. By whom: Trained physical therapist. Where: Outpatient rehabilitation department.

OTHER

Isometric Resistance Training

What: Isometric Resistance Training (static muscle contractions without joint movement). How: Patient contracts target muscle against resistance provided by therapist or stationary object. Target muscles include shoulder abductors, elbow flexors, elbow extensors, wrist flexors, and wrist extensors. Each contraction held 6-10 seconds at 60-70% of maximum voluntary contraction. Patient performs 10 repetitions per muscle group, completing 3 sets. Rest 30-60 seconds between sets. When: 30 minutes per session, 5 days per week. How long: 4 weeks total. By whom: Trained physical therapist. Where: Outpatient rehabilitation department.

Sponsors & Collaborators

  • University of Faisalabad

    lead OTHER

Study Design

Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
SINGLE
Model
PARALLEL

Eligibility

Min Age
40 Years
Max Age
60 Years
Sex
ALL
Healthy Volunteers
No

Timeline & Regulatory

Start
2026-01-19
Primary Completion
2026-05-19
Completion
2026-06-24

Countries

  • Pakistan

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Diseases

Read the full study record

This page highlights key information. For complete eligibility criteria, study locations, investigator contacts, and the full protocol, visit the original record on ClinicalTrials.gov.

View NCT07598435 on ClinicalTrials.gov