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NCT Number: NCT07629882

Functional Electrical Stimulation Versus Whole-Body Vibration in Post-Stroke Rehabilitation

This study will compare the effects of Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES) and Whole Body Vibration Training (WBVT) on lower limb motor control, balance, and physical performance in post-stroke patients. It will be a single-blinded randomized clinical trial including 34 participants, who will be allocated into two groups. Both groups will receive their respective interventions 4 days per week for 8 weeks. Outcomes will be assessed at baseline and after 8 weeks using the Fugl-Meyer Assessment for lower extremity motor control, Berg Balance Scale for balance, and Barthel Index for physical performance.

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Key information

Conditions

Stroke (CVA) or TIA Brain Diseases Cardiovascular Diseases Central Nervous System Diseases Cerebrovascular Disorders Nervous System Diseases Stroke Vascular Diseases

Age range

35 year–70 year

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

Hafiz Physiotherapy Center

Gujrat, Punjab Province, 50700, Pakistan

About this study

Stroke is an acute focal injury of the central nervous system caused by a vascular source, which results in neurological deficits and can cause disability or death. Stroke can lead to motor weakness, sensory deficiency and loss of motor control. Patients who have had a stroke frequently experience issues with their balance, gait and physical performance. Whole-Body Vibration Training (WBVT) is a non-pharmacological intervention that transmits vibration stimulation throughout the body and has demonstrated promise in improving balance, mobility, and physical function in stroke rehabilitation. Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES) is a rehabilitation technique that helps stroke survivors regain motor skills by stimulating certain nerves with electrical impulses applied via the skin's surface, which causes paretic muscles to move. FES can be utilized to improve physical performance, muscle strength, and balance in stroke patients. Strokes frequently lead to poor physical performance, diminished balance, and impaired lower limb motor control, all of which have an adverse effect on daily functioning and quality of life. This study aims to compare the effects of Functional Electrical Stimulation and Whole Body Vibration Training on lower limb motor control, balance, and physical performance in post-stroke patients.

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: No

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

Inclusion criteria

  • the patient is between the ages of 35 and 70.
  • Both male and female participants will be included.
  • Chronic post-stroke patients from 6 months to 1 year.
  • Stroke patients who have a neurological impairment.
  • Individuals who experienced a single stroke in either the left or right hemisphere of the brain.
  • Lower limb motor impairment with Fugl-Meyer Lower Extremity Score ≤ 28.
  • Barthel Index Score ≥ 60.
  • Berg Balance Scale Score ≥ 21.

Exclusion criteria

patients suffering from unstable cardiac condition, severe hypertension, congestive heart failure, aphasia, or cognitive impairments for which exercises are contraindicated.

  • Patients with recurrent stroke.
  • Patients undergoing other form of lower limb stimulation therapy concurrently.
  • Severe orthopedic conditions or joint deformities affecting lower limb.

Treatment and study plan

functional electrical stimulation

Device

Functional Electrical Stimulation will be delivered transcutaneously to selected lower limb muscles for 8 weeks. Stimulation will target tibialis anterior, quadriceps, hamstrings, peroneal muscles, and other lower limb muscles according to patient need and tolerance. The intervention will use biphasic symmetrical pulsed current with progressive intensity, duration, and functional movement integration. Treatment will be supervised by a physiotherapist, and outcomes will be assessed at baseline and after 8 weeks.

Other names: FES, Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation, Electrical Stimulation Therapy

Whole body vibration training

Device

Whole Body Vibration Training will be delivered using a vibration platform for 8 weeks. Participants will perform progressive lower limb activities including standing, semi-squat, heel raises, dynamic squatting, side-to-side weight shifting, and one-leg stance exercises. Frequency, duration, and difficulty will be progressed according to patient tolerance under physiotherapist supervision.

Other names: Whole Body Vibration, WBV Training

Primary outcomes

  1. lower Limb Motor Control

    Time frame: Baseline and 8 weeks post-intervention

    Assessed using the Fugl-Meyer Assessment for Lower Extremity.

Secondary outcomes

  1. Balance

    Time frame: Baseline and 8 weeks post-intervention

    Assessed using the Berg Balance Scale.

  2. Physical Performance

    Time frame: Baseline and 8 weeks post-intervention

    Assessed using the Barthel Index Scale.

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Riphah International University

Other

Registry information

Official study title

Comparative Effects of Functional Electrical Stimulation and Whole Body Vibration Training on Lower Limb Motor Control, Balance and Physical Performance in Post-Stroke Patients

Important dates

Study start
2025
Primary completion
2026
Study completion
2026
First posted
Jun 5, 2026
Registry last updated
Jun 5, 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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