Rhythmic Initiation vs Isometric Training for Arm Recovery After Stroke

Recruiting now · Not applicable

Conditions studied: Stroke, Upper Extremity Paresis

In brief

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.

Key facts

Study ID

NCT07598435

Run by

University of Faisalabad

People needed

40

Starts

2026-01-19

Expected to finish

2026-06-24

Last updated by the study team

2026-06-03

Who can join

Age: 40 and older, up to 60. Sex: any. Healthy volunteers: not accepted.

You may qualify if…

• Clinically diagnosed subacute stroke (1 to 6 months post-onset)
• Unilateral upper limb involvement
• Age 40 to 60 years
• Both genders
• Medically stable and able to participate in physical therapy
• Able to provide informed consent

You may not qualify if…

• Severe spasticity (Modified Ashworth Scale score >3)
• Recurrent or bilateral stroke
• Shoulder subluxation
• Shoulder or upper limb pain limiting active movement
• Cognitive or perceptual deficits impairing ability to follow instructions
• Other neurological disorder affecting upper limb (e.g., Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis)
• Orthopedic condition affecting upper limb function

Where it is running

• The University of Faisalabad — Faisalābad, Punjab Province, Pakistan (enrolling)

Full record on ClinicalTrials.gov

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