Robot-assisted Versus Conventional Physical Therapy for Hand in Sub-acute Stroke

Summary

This randomized controlled trial aims to compare the effectiveness of robotic-assisted physiotherapy and conventional physiotherapy in improving hand function among patients with sub-acute stroke. Stroke often results in weakness, reduced hand strength, impaired dexterity, and difficulty performing daily activities due to upper-limb motor dysfunction. Early rehabilitation targeting hand recovery is essential to improve independence and quality of life.

A total of 30 participants with sub-acute post-stroke spastic hemiplegia will be recruited from the University of Lahore Hospital and randomly assigned into two groups. The intervention group will receive robotic-assisted physiotherapy focused on repetitive, task-specific wrist and finger extension training using a robotic hand/wrist device, while the control group will receive conventional therapist-led upper-limb rehabilitation exercises. Both groups will undergo treatment sessions lasting 30-45 minutes, five days per week for four weeks.

Outcome measures will include hand muscle strength assessed using a hand-held dynamometer, hand dexterity evaluated through the Action Research Arm Test (ARAT), and functional improvement measured using the Fugl-Meyer Assessment for Upper Extremity (FMA-UE). Additional measures such as spasticity, activities of daily living, and quality of life will also be recorded. Assessments will be conducted at baseline, during treatment, and after completion of the intervention period by a blinded assessor.

The study is expected to determine whether robotic-assisted physiotherapy provides greater improvements in hand strength, dexterity, and upper-limb functional recovery compared to conventional physiotherapy in individuals recovering from stroke. Findings from this research may contribute to evidence-based rehabilitation strategies for improving upper-limb outcomes after stroke.

Conditions

• Stroke
• Spastic Hemiplegia
• Upper Limb Motor Impairment

Interventions

DEVICE

Robotic-Assisted Hand Rehabilitation Therapy

Participants will receive robotic-assisted hand rehabilitation using a robotic hand/wrist training device designed to improve wrist and finger extension, hand coordination, and functional upper-limb recovery after stroke. The intervention will include repetitive task-specific movements, active-assist and active-resist training, grasp-release exercises, visual feedback activities, and functional motor practice supervised by a physiotherapist. Treatment intensity and robotic assistance will be progressively adjusted according to patient performance and recovery level. Sessions will last 30-45 minutes, 5 days per week for 4 weeks.

PROCEDURE

Conventional Physiotherapy

Participants will receive conventional physiotherapy focused on upper-limb rehabilitation after stroke. The treatment program will include active-assisted and active range-of-motion exercises, strengthening exercises for wrist and finger extensors, task-specific functional training, neuromuscular facilitation techniques, mirror therapy, and activities of daily living practice. Exercise intensity and task difficulty will be progressively increased according to patient ability and motor recovery. Sessions will last 30-45 minutes, 5 days per week for 4 weeks under physiotherapist supervision.

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Montiha Azeem

  lead OTHER

Principal Investigators

• Muhammad Uzair, MSPTN · The University of Lahore, Lahore

Study Design

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

TREATMENT

Masking

SINGLE

Model

PARALLEL

Eligibility

Min Age

30 Years

Max Age

50 Years

Sex

ALL

Healthy Volunteers

No

Timeline & Regulatory

Start

2026-05-22

Primary Completion

2026-06-22

Completion

2026-06-23

Countries

• Pakistan

Study Locations