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Completed

NCT Number: NCT07057050

Constraint-induced Movement Therapy Versus Task-oriented Training On Upper Extremity Function Post-Botox Injection in Stroke Patients

This study will be conducted to determine the impact of Constraint-Induced Movement Therapy versus Task-Oriented Training on upper extremity function post-Botox injection in stroke patients.

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Key information

Conditions

Constraint Induced Movement Therapy Botox Injection Brain Diseases Cardiovascular Diseases Central Nervous System Diseases Cerebrovascular Disorders Nervous System Diseases Stroke Task Oriented Training Upper Extremity Function Vascular Diseases

Age range

45 year–60 year

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

outpatient clinics of Mansoura university hospital

Al Mansurah, Egypt

About this study

Arm and hand movement problems are significant contributors to disability in stroke patients, with only 5% regaining full arm function and 20% regaining no functional use. Alternative strategies are needed to reduce long-term disability and upper limb impairment in hemiparesis patients. Previous studies have used various treatment methods, including botulinum toxin, but the degree of motor improvement depends on task complexity. Future research should focus on adjunct therapy, such as task-specific training and constrained induced therapy, in addition to botulinum toxin treatments, to facilitate functional improvement in spastic upper extremity.

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: No

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

Inclusion criteria

  • The study focuses on patients aged 45-60 years
  • Patients who have subacute spastic hemiplegia with occlusion of the middle cerebral artery
  • Patients who are able to maintain balance in sitting positions.
  • Patients are diagnosed with the affected upper extremity being the dominant side.
  • Physiotherapy sessions are initiated 3-7 days post-injection,
  • Patients have pre-injection Modified Ashworth scores equal to 2 (moderate spasticity) in wrist or elbow flexors.
  • Patients can actively extend joints at least 10° at metacarpophalangeal and interphalangeal joints and 20° at the wrist of the affected upper limb.

Exclusion criteria

  • Joint immobility in the upper limb due to contracture, bony deformity, or heterotopic ossification
  • Significant cognitive deficits (Mini-Mental Status Examination score <24).

Treatment and study plan

The designed physiotherapy program

Other
  • Scapular and thoracic mobilization, active assisted and passive exercises, and positioning such as weight bearing on the affected upper limb.
  • Strengthening of the shoulder flexors and elbow and wrist extensors.
  • Stretching exercises of the spastic muscles (shoulder extensors, elbow and wrist flexors.)

The Botulinum toxin injection

Drug

The injection of 1000 units per upper extremity will be done into the biceps brachii muscle at 2 sites, and 150 units into the flexor carpi radialis muscle at 1 site per muscle, using anatomical landmarks similar to routine electromyography.

Task Oriented Training

Other

The training involves 30 minutes of bilateral functional tasks like carrying a block, grabbing and folding a towel, staking cups upright, holding a glass and drinking water, throwing a ball into a basket, and moving pegs.

Constrained induced movement therapy

Other

The therapy session focuses on enhancing the affected arm's functional tasks, such as throwing a ball, holding a glass, combing hair, turning on and off a light switch, grasping and releasing blocks, pouring from glass to another, moving cups, and moving pegs. Participants are instructed to wear a restrictive mitt on their non-paretic hand for 6 hours a day for 4 days, 7 weeks, and 12 weeks, with the mitt removed for safety, hygiene, or agreed-on activities.

Primary outcomes

  1. assessment of change of arm motor impairment

    Time frame: at baseline and after 12 weeks

    The Fugl-Meyer Upper Extremity scale, validated and reliable, correlates well with upper extremity coordination. It includes four motor sub-items relevant to the affected upper limb: shoulder/elbow/forearm, wrist, hand, and speed/coordination. The test is conducted pre- and post-treatment, requiring volitional movement mixing synergies. The total Fugl-Meyer Upper Extremity scale takes 30-35 minutes, and items are scored using a 3-point ordinal scale. The patient's performance ranges from 0 to 2 on the scale.

Secondary outcomes

  1. Evaluation of degree of spasticity

    Time frame: at baseline and after 12 weeks

    The Modified Ashworth Scale is a 6-point scale used to measure spasticity in the affected upper limb. The score ranges from 0 to 4, with lower scores indicating normal muscle tone and higher scores indicating spasticity or increased resistance to passive movement. Muscle tone assessment is done in a comfortable, quiet room, with no nociceptive or exteroceptive stimuli. The patient is instructed to empty their bladder and release tight clothes before the assessment.

  2. assessment of change of handgrip strength

    Time frame: at baseline and after 12 weeks

    Maximal voluntary grip forces (MVGF) will be assessed using grip dynamometer. Subjects are seated in a wheelchair. The shoulder is placed at approximately 30 degrees of abduction and 0 degrees of flexion. The elbow is flexed at 90 degrees with the wrist in neutral position. Maximal voluntary grip forces are established as the highest values recorded during three maximal voluntary exertions separated by 2-minute rest intervals. The mean value for each hand was used for analysis

  3. assessment of change of shoulder and elbow movement

    Time frame: at baseline and after 12 weeks

    Kinovea software is a reliable method for measuring shoulder joint position sense, suitable for medical, rehabilitation, and sports environments. It accurately measures shoulder joint position up to 5 meters from an object and 90°-45° angle. Kinovea software also performs motion analysis, capturing shoulder flexion, abduction, elbow flexion, and extension movements. Cross marks are drawn on anatomical landmarks on the dominant upper limb.

  4. assessment of change of upper limb function

    Time frame: at baseline and after 12 weeks

    The Action Research Arm Test (ARAT) is a tool used to evaluate limb function in individuals with hemiplegia due to cortical damage. It measures a client's ability to handle objects of different sizes, weights, and shapes. The ARAT scores range from 0 to 57, with higher scores indicating better performance. The test is conducted pre- and post-treatment and consists of four subscales: grasp, grip, pinch, and gross movement. If a client fails on the most difficult task, the easiest task is performed, and the entire subscale is scored as zero.

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Cairo University

Other

Registry information

Official study title

Constraint-induced Movement Therapy Versus Task-oriented Training

Important dates

Study start
2025
Primary completion
2025
Study completion
2025
First posted
Jul 9, 2025
Registry last updated
Dec 12, 2025

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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