Roods vs PNF for Upper Limb Function in Acute MCA Stroke
Enrolling by invitation · Not applicable
Conditions studied: Stroke, Middle Cerebral Artery Infarction
In brief
Middle cerebral artery (MCA) stroke often causes weakness or stiffness in the arm and hand, making daily activities difficult. This study compares two physical therapy approaches - Rood's facilitatory techniques (using touch, quick stretch, and ice to activate muscles) and PNF sequential patterns (using diagonal movement patterns) - to improve arm function in acute stroke patients. Both groups will also receive neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES). A total of 28 patients will be randomly assigned to one of two groups and receive treatment three times per week for eight weeks. Arm function will be measured using the Fugl-Meyer Assessment, and muscle stiffness will be measured using the Modified Ashworth Scale before and after treatment.
Key facts
- Study ID
- NCT07616622
- Run by
- University of Faisalabad
- People needed
- 28
- Starts
- 2026-01-01
- Expected to finish
- 2026-07-15
- Last updated by the study team
- 2026-06-01
Who can join
Age: 40 and older, up to 60. Sex: any. Healthy volunteers: not accepted.
You may qualify if…
- Adults (40-60 years) with confirmed MCA stroke (ischemic or hemorrhagic) on neuroimaging (CT or MRI)
- Mild to moderate upper limb motor dysfunction with MRC ≥2 for proximal limb motor strength
- Cognitive competence to understand instructions (MoCA ≥19 or equivalent)
- First stroke, acute or subacute phase
- Willingness to provide written informed consent
- Both male and female genders
You may not qualify if…
- Severe coexisting medical disorders (heart, liver, kidney failure; malignant tumors)
- Fixed musculoskeletal abnormalities or contracture in affected upper limb
- Severe cognitive impairment or aphasia preventing adherence or consent (MMSE below threshold)
- Skin sores, ulcers, or hypersensitivity (e.g., to cold) contraindicated for sensory stimulation
- Refusal or inability to give informed consent
Where it is running
- The University of Faisalabad — Faisalābad, Punjab Province, Pakistan
Full record on ClinicalTrials.gov
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