Chronic Stroke PatientsNCT07293416
Neuropilates and Otago Exercises on Balance, Posture and Functional Independence in Chronic Stroke
A study testing neuropilates and otago exercises in people with Chronic Stroke Patients, run by Riphah International University at 3 sites in Pakistan.
Trial summary
This randomized clinical trial will be conducted at various physical therapy clinics of Faisalabad over a six-month period, enrolling a total of 32 participants selected through non probability convenience sampling technique. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 40 to 70 years
- Conditions the study is for
- Chronic Stroke Patients
- What is being tested?
- neuropilates and otago exercises
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 32 participants
- Where
- 3 sitesPakistan
- Study dates
- Dec 2025to 30 Apr 2026
- Phase
- Interventional
- Are there results?
- Not yet: the study is under way
Key requirements
Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.
- Ages 40 to 70 years
- All sexes
- No healthy volunteers
- Adult, Older adult
Who may be able to join
- Age 40-70 years
- Both male and female
- Chronic stroke, 6-18 months post-stroke
- Stroke severity score >6 on NIHSS
- MMSE ≥24
Who cannot join
- • Symptoms of global or receptive aphasia
- Other neurological disorders: tumors, anoxia, TBI, neurodegenerative diseases, ataxia.
- Significant cardiorespiratory conditions
- Currently receiving other complementary interventions
- Severe motor impairment preventing safe participation
Trial locations and contacts
3 sites in 1 country. Contact the study team or a site near you to ask about taking part.
Pakistan3 sites
Al-Mahmood Physiotherapy Clinic
Faisalabad
Faisal Hospital Faisalabad
Faisalabad
Syeda Khatoon e Jannat Trust Hospital
Faisalabad
About this study
Official title: Comparative Effects of Neuropilates and Otago Exercises on Balance, Posture and Functional Independence in Individuals With Chronic Stroke
This randomized clinical trial will be conducted at various physical therapy clinics of Faisalabad over a six-month period, enrolling a total of 32 participants selected through non probability convenience sampling technique. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of two groups: those undergoing Neuropilates and those performing Otago exercises, with each group consisting of 16 individuals. Assessments will utilize the TUG (Timed Up and Go) to evaluate balance, the Postural Assessment Scale for Stroke Patients (PASS) for posture, and the Functional Independence Measure (FIM) for functional independence. Pre-intervention assessments will establish baseline measures, followed by evaluations at 4 weeks, and post-intervention to track progress. Data analysis will be conducted using SPSS 26 software, allowing for a comprehensive comparison of the interventions' effectiveness. The findings from this study will contribute valuable insights for clinicians and rehabilitation specialists, enhancing therapeutic strategies to support chronic stroke patients in regaining their independence.
Read the detailed description
Chronic stroke survivors often face profound challenges that considerably impact their balance, posture, and functional independence. These issues can compromise their ability to perform daily activities, reduce their quality of life, and lead to increased dependency on caregivers. Effective rehabilitation strategies are essential for improving these aspects of recovery. Neuropilates, a novel approach that merges the foundational principles of Pilates with targeted neurological rehabilitation techniques, has shown promise in enhancing physical and cognitive function. By focusing on core strength, flexibility, and body awareness, Neuropilates aims to facilitate motor learning and improve overall stability. This study is designed to compare the effectiveness of Neuropilates with Otago exercises-an evidence-based program specifically designed to enhance strength and balance in older adults-on key rehabilitation outcomes for individuals living with chronic stroke. The Otago program emphasizes lower limb strength and balance training, making it a relevant comparison for assessing improvements in functionality.
The randomized clinical trial will be conducted at various physical therapy clinics of Faisalabad over a six-month period, enrolling a total of 32 participants selected through non probability convenience sampling technique. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of two groups: those undergoing Neuropilates and those performing Otago exercises, with each group consisting of 16 individuals. Assessments will utilize the TUG (Timed Up and Go) to evaluate balance, the Postural Assessment Scale for Stroke Patients (PASS) for posture, and the Functional Independence Measure (FIM) for functional independence. Pre-intervention assessments will establish baseline measures, followed by evaluations at 4 weeks, and post-intervention to track progress. Data analysis will be conducted using SPSS 26 software, allowing for a comprehensive comparison of the interventions' effectiveness. The findings from this study will contribute valuable insights for clinicians and rehabilitation specialists, enhancing therapeutic strategies to support chronic stroke patients in regaining their independence.
- Conditions
- Chronic Stroke Patients
- Being tested
- neuropilates, otago exercises
- Keywords
- Balance, Chronic Stroke, Functional Independence, Neuropilates, Otago exercises.
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
neuropilatesOther
50 minutes session of Neuropilates thrice a week for total of eight weeks which will include activation warm-up exercises for 10 minutes, main exercises for 30 minutes and cool-down exercises for 10 minutes
otago exercisesOther
50 minutes each session of Otago exercise thrice a week for total of eight weeks which will include, muscle strengthening, balance training and 2x week 30 minutes walking session. Depending on the individual's strength and mobility, the exercises will be progressed, by increasing the amount of repetitions or weight
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Group A : Neuropilates | Experimental | This group will receive 50 minutes session of Neuropilates thrice a week for total of eight weeks which will include activation warm-up exercises for 10 minutes, main exercises for 30 minutes and cool-down exercises for 10 minutes Receives: Other: neuropilates |
| Group B : Otago Exercise Program | Active comparator | This group will receive 50 minutes each session of Otago exercise thrice a week for total of eight weeks which will include, muscle strengthening, balance training and 2x week 30 minutes walking session. Depending on the individual's strength and mobility, the exercises will be progressed, by increasing the amount of repetitions or weight Receives: Other: otago exercises |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
The Postural Assessment Scale for Stroke (PASS)
The Postural Assessment Scale for Stroke (PASS) is designed to evaluate postural control after stroke. It consists of 12 four-level items assessing the ability to maintain or change positions in lying, sitting, and standing. Scores range from 0 to 36, with 0-12 indicating poor, 13-24 moderate, and 25-36 good postural control. The PASS has excellent inter-rater reliability (α = 0.88, range 0.64-1) and total score reliability (r = 0.99, p < 0.001). Test-retest reliability in chronic stroke patients is also high (ICC = 0.84-0.97).
Measured: baseline, 4thweek, 8thweek
The Functional Independence Measure (FIM)
The Functional Independence Measure (FIM) is used to assess the functional independence of individuals recovering from illness or disability. It includes 18 items covering self-care, mobility, locomotion, communication, and social cognition. Each item is rated on a 7-point scale (1 = total dependence to 7 = complete independence), giving a total score between 18 and 126. Higher scores indicate greater independence. The FIM demonstrates high inter-rater reliability (ICC = 0.86-0.88).
Measured: baseline, 4thweek, 8thweek
Timed Up and Go (TUG)
The Timed Up and Go (TUG) test is a simple, quick, and reliable tool used to assess mobility, balance, and fall risk in individuals with neurological or musculoskeletal conditions. It measures the time taken to stand up from a chair, walk three meters, turn, return, and sit down. A cut-off time of 12 seconds or more indicates a high risk of falling. The test is suitable for people with stroke, Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, hip fracture, or joint replacement. It requires only a chair, stopwatch, and three-meter mark and allows observation of gait, stability, and use of aids. The test shows a sensitivity and specificity of about 87% for identifying fall risk in the elderly population.
Measured: baseline, 4thweek , 8thweek
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted19 Dec 2025
- Study startDec 2025 (estimated)
- Primary completion12 Apr 2026 (estimated)
- Study completion30 Apr 2026 (estimated)
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Publications (2)Papers the sponsor has linked to this study.
- Other trials for Chronic Stroke PatientsStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- More trials run by Riphah International UniversityThe sponsor's other registered studies.
- What the trial phases meanHow a treatment moves from first tests in people to approval.
More details
For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.
Study design
- Study type
- Interventional
- Phase
- Phase N/A
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Single blind
- Who is masked
- Outcomes assessor
- Enrolment
- 32 participants (estimated)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Riphah International University
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Sponsor
- Investigators
- Binash Afzal, Principal investigator, Riphah International University
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07293416
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- REC/S24C14G37016 Zobia Tariq
- Status last verified
- Dec 2025
- First submitted
- 8 Dec 2025
- Last updated
- 19 Dec 2025
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- Yes
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- No
Publications
Cronin E, Broderick P, Clark H, Monaghan K. What are the effects of pilates in the post stroke population? A systematic literature review & meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials. J Bodyw Mov Ther. 2023 Jan;33:223-232. doi: 10.1016/j.jbmt.2022.09.028. Epub 2022 Sep 29.
PubMed 36775522Chen SC, Lin CH, Su SW, Chang YT, Lai CH. Feasibility and effect of interactive telerehabilitation on balance in individuals with chronic stroke: a pilot study. J Neuroeng Rehabil. 2021 Apr 26;18(1):71. doi: 10.1186/s12984-021-00866-8.
PubMed 33902646
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 19 Dec 2025. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Comparative Effects of Neuropilates and Otago Exercises on Balance, Posture and Functional Independence in Individuals With Chronic Stroke
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07293416
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- REC/S24C14G37016 Zobia Tariq
- Conditions
- Chronic Stroke Patients
- Keywords
- Balance, Chronic Stroke, Functional Independence, Neuropilates, Otago exercises.
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Not yet recruiting
- Enrolment
- 32 participants (estimated)
- Lead sponsor
- Riphah International UniversityUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- Dec 2025 (estimated)
- Primary completion
- 12 Apr 2026 (estimated)
- Study completion
- 30 Apr 2026 (estimated)
- First posted
- 19 Dec 2025 (actual)
- Results
- Not posted in the source record
Clinical summary
The research question as the sponsor registered it. This describes what the study plans to test, not what it found.
This randomized clinical trial will be conducted at various physical therapy clinics of Faisalabad over a six-month period, enrolling a total of 32 participants selected through non probability convenience sampling technique. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of two groups: those undergoing Neuropilates and those performing Otago exercises, with each group consisting of 16 individuals. Assessments will utilize the TUG (Timed Up and Go) to evaluate balance, the Postural Assessment Scale for Stroke Patients (PASS) for posture, and the Functional Independence Measure (FIM) for functional independence. Pre-intervention assessments will establish baseline measures, followed by evaluations at 4 weeks, and post-intervention to track progress. Data analysis will be conducted using SPSS 26 software, allowing for a comprehensive comparison of the interventions' effectiveness. The findings from this study will contribute valuable insights for clinicians and rehabilitation specialists, enhancing therapeutic strategies to support chronic stroke patients in regaining their independence.
Detailed description
Chronic stroke survivors often face profound challenges that considerably impact their balance, posture, and functional independence. These issues can compromise their ability to perform daily activities, reduce their quality of life, and lead to increased dependency on caregivers. Effective rehabilitation strategies are essential for improving these aspects of recovery. Neuropilates, a novel approach that merges the foundational principles of Pilates with targeted neurological rehabilitation techniques, has shown promise in enhancing physical and cognitive function. By focusing on core strength, flexibility, and body awareness, Neuropilates aims to facilitate motor learning and improve overall stability. This study is designed to compare the effectiveness of Neuropilates with Otago exercises-an evidence-based program specifically designed to enhance strength and balance in older adults-on key rehabilitation outcomes for individuals living with chronic stroke. The Otago program emphasizes lower limb strength and balance training, making it a relevant comparison for assessing improvements in functionality.
The randomized clinical trial will be conducted at various physical therapy clinics of Faisalabad over a six-month period, enrolling a total of 32 participants selected through non probability convenience sampling technique. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of two groups: those undergoing Neuropilates and those performing Otago exercises, with each group consisting of 16 individuals. Assessments will utilize the TUG (Timed Up and Go) to evaluate balance, the Postural Assessment Scale for Stroke Patients (PASS) for posture, and the Functional Independence Measure (FIM) for functional independence. Pre-intervention assessments will establish baseline measures, followed by evaluations at 4 weeks, and post-intervention to track progress. Data analysis will be conducted using SPSS 26 software, allowing for a comprehensive comparison of the interventions' effectiveness. The findings from this study will contribute valuable insights for clinicians and rehabilitation specialists, enhancing therapeutic strategies to support chronic stroke patients in regaining their independence.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Single blind (outcomes assessor)
- Number of arms
- 2
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Group A : Neuropilates | Experimental | Other: neuropilatesThis group will receive 50 minutes session of Neuropilates thrice a week for total of eight weeks which will include activation warm-up exercises for 10 minutes, main exercises for 30 minutes and cool-down exercises for 10 minutes |
| Group B : Otago Exercise Program | Active comparator | Other: otago exercisesThis group will receive 50 minutes each session of Otago exercise thrice a week for total of eight weeks which will include, muscle strengthening, balance training and 2x week 30 minutes walking session. Depending on the individual's strength and mobility, the exercises will be progressed, by increasing the amount of repetitions or weight |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 40 to 70 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Not accepted
- Age groups
- Adult, Older adult
Key inclusion criteria (5 listed)
- Age 40-70 years
- Both male and female
- Chronic stroke, 6-18 months post-stroke
- Stroke severity score >6 on NIHSS
- MMSE ≥24
Key exclusion criteria (5 listed)
- • Symptoms of global or receptive aphasia
Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening; this overview does not establish that a patient qualifies. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Interventions
| Intervention | Type | Arms |
|---|---|---|
| neuropilates50 minutes session of Neuropilates thrice a week for total of eight weeks which will include activation warm-up exercises for 10 minutes, main exercises for 30 minutes and cool-down exercises for 10 minutes | Other | Group A : Neuropilates |
| otago exercises50 minutes each session of Otago exercise thrice a week for total of eight weeks which will include, muscle strengthening, balance training and 2x week 30 minutes walking session. Depending on the individual's strength and mobility, the exercises will be progressed, by increasing the amount of repetitions or weight | Other | Group B : Otago Exercise Program |
Primary outcome
The Postural Assessment Scale for Stroke (PASS)
Time frame: baseline, 4thweek, 8thweek
The Postural Assessment Scale for Stroke (PASS) is designed to evaluate postural control after stroke. It consists of 12 four-level items assessing the ability to maintain or change positions in lying, sitting, and standing. Scores range from 0 to 36, with 0-12 indicating poor, 13-24 moderate, and 25-36 good postural control. The PASS has excellent inter-rater reliability (α = 0.88, range 0.64-1) and total score reliability (r = 0.99, p < 0.001). Test-retest reliability in chronic stroke patients is also high (ICC = 0.84-0.97).
The Functional Independence Measure (FIM)
Time frame: baseline, 4thweek, 8thweek
The Functional Independence Measure (FIM) is used to assess the functional independence of individuals recovering from illness or disability. It includes 18 items covering self-care, mobility, locomotion, communication, and social cognition. Each item is rated on a 7-point scale (1 = total dependence to 7 = complete independence), giving a total score between 18 and 126. Higher scores indicate greater independence. The FIM demonstrates high inter-rater reliability (ICC = 0.86-0.88).
Timed Up and Go (TUG)
Time frame: baseline, 4thweek , 8thweek
The Timed Up and Go (TUG) test is a simple, quick, and reliable tool used to assess mobility, balance, and fall risk in individuals with neurological or musculoskeletal conditions. It measures the time taken to stand up from a chair, walk three meters, turn, return, and sit down. A cut-off time of 12 seconds or more indicates a high risk of falling. The test is suitable for people with stroke, Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, hip fracture, or joint replacement. It requires only a chair, stopwatch, and three-meter mark and allows observation of gait, stability, and use of aids. The test shows a sensitivity and specificity of about 87% for identifying fall risk in the elderly population.
Results and safety
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 19 Dec 2025.
- Background: PubMed 36775522Cronin E, Broderick P, Clark H, Monaghan K. What are the effects of pilates in the post stroke population? A systematic literature review & meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials. J Bodyw Mov Ther. 2023 Jan;33:223-232. doi: 10.1016/j.jbmt.2022.09.028. Epub 2022 Sep 29.
- Background: PubMed 33902646Chen SC, Lin CH, Su SW, Chang YT, Lai CH. Feasibility and effect of interactive telerehabilitation on balance in individuals with chronic stroke: a pilot study. J Neuroeng Rehabil. 2021 Apr 26;18(1):71. doi: 10.1186/s12984-021-00866-8.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: No
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Referral and contact
AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals. Contact the study team or a site listed below; they decide who can take part.
Binash Afzal principal investigator
Riphah International University
3 sites in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing neuropilates and otago exercises in people with Chronic Stroke Patients, run by Riphah International University at 3 sites in Pakistan.
The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.
Who may be eligible to take part?
The sponsor lists 5 inclusion and 5 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.
Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?
The record says: opening soon, as of the sponsor's last update on 19 Dec 2025. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.
Where is the study taking place?
The record lists 3 sites in Pakistan. Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.
What are the possible benefits and risks?
They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.
Are results available for this study?
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
Contact Zobia Tariq, MS-NMPT (03321751888, zobiatariqmul@gmail.com), or a site near the patient. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
The Postural Assessment Scale for Stroke (PASS) (time frame: baseline, 4thweek, 8thweek). The study lists 3 primary outcomes in all. It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
On the ClinicalTrials.gov record for NCT07293416, which also lists 2 linked publications.
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?
No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.
How often is this information updated?
AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 19 Dec 2025.