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NCT Number: NCT07523503

Unilateral Versus Bilateral Task-specific Training on Motor Impairment, Upper Extremity Function, and Hand Dexterity in Post-Stroke Rehabilitation

This randomized clinical trial will examine upper limb rehabilitation in individuals recovering from stroke. The study will compare unilateral and bilateral task-oriented training approaches to determine their relative effectiveness. Thirty-two medically stable participants with active shoulder movement and adequate cognition will be enrolled into two groups. Both groups will receive structured training for four weeks. Outcomes related to motor function and dexterity will be measured using standardized assessment tools. The aim is to identify the more effective strategy for improving upper extremity function after stroke.

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Key information

Conditions

Stroke Brain Diseases Cardiovascular Diseases Central Nervous System Diseases Cerebrovascular Disorders Nervous System Diseases Vascular Diseases

Age range

40 year–75 year

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

Hospitals

Kot Addu, Pakistan

Location status: Recruiting

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: No

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

Inclusion criteria

  • • Age between 40 and 75 years
  • Clinically diagnosed stroke (no more than three lifetime episodes)
  • Stroke duration between 6 to 24 months
  • Ability to perform antigravity shoulder movement with the paretic limb
  • Abbreviated Mental Test score ≥ 7
  • Medically stable and capable of giving consent

Exclusion criteria

  • • Uncontrolled systemic conditions (e.g. Unstable cardiac conditions)
  • Major orthopedic issues affecting the involved upper limb
  • Hearing deficits
  • Allergy to electrodes
  • Receptive aphasia or severe language impairment
  • Severe joint contracture limiting required upper limb movements

Treatment and study plan

Unilateral task oriented training (UTOT) with baseline EMS

Procedure

Baseline: EMS applied to target muscles (depending on requirement of patient like wrist and finger extensors) with 15-20 minutes duration Treatment: Task oriented functional exercises performed only with affected arm. Task progress from simple to complex e.g. drinking form a cup, lifting a glass to 90° flexion of shoulder, polishing a table, and hair combing. Visual, verbal, or proprioceptive feedback provided to support motor learning. Sessions conducted 4 times/week for 4 weeks.

Bilateral task oriented training (BTOT) with baseline EMS

Procedure

Baseline: EMS applied to target muscles (depending on requirement of patient like wrist and finger extensors) with 15-20 minutes duration Treatment: Same tasks previous group, but performed by both upper limbs, simultaneously in a coordinated manner. Intensity, duration and task complexity matched with UTOT group to ensure comparability. Therapist provides cueing and feedback to maintain proper movement and progression. Sessions conducted 4 times/week for 4 weeks.

Primary outcomes

  1. Motor recovery and upper extremity function

    Time frame: Four weeks

    Motor recovery and upper extremity performance will be assessed using Fugl-Meyer Assessment for Upper Extremity (FMA-UE). This scale assesses upper limb motor function by examining reflex activity, voluntary movements and movement synergy patterns. It allows systemic tracking of recovery over time.

Secondary outcomes

  1. Hand dexterity

    Time frame: Four weeks

    Modified Box and Block test, a customized adaptation of the original test, will assess hand dexterity. It has been validated for use in individuals with stroke and demonstrates high reliability. It supports excellent test-retest reliability meaning strong consistency.

Interested in participating?

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Interested in participating?

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Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

University of Faisalabad

Other

Registry information

Important dates

Study start
2026
Primary completion
2026
Study completion
2026
First posted
Apr 13, 2026
Registry last updated
Apr 13, 2026

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

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