StrokeNCT07523503
Unilateral Versus Bilateral Task-specific Training on Motor Impairment, Upper Extremity Function, and Hand Dexterity in Post-Stroke Rehabilitation
A study testing Unilateral task oriented training (UTOT) with baseline EMS and Bilateral task oriented training (BTOT) with baseline EMS in people with Stroke, run by University of Faisalabad at 1 site in Pakistan.
Trial summary
This randomized clinical trial will examine upper limb rehabilitation in individuals recovering from stroke. The study will compare unilateral and bilateral task-oriented training approaches to determine their relative effectiveness. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 40 to 75 years
- Conditions the study is for
- Stroke
- What is being tested?
- Unilateral task oriented training (UTOT) with baseline EMS and Bilateral task oriented training (BTOT) with baseline EMS
- Type of treatment
- Surgery or procedure
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 32 participants
- Where
- 1 sitePakistan
- Study dates
- 5 Apr 2026to 15 May 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 75 years
- All sexes
- No healthy volunteers
- Adult, Older adult
Who may be able to join
- • Age between 40 and 75 years
- Clinically diagnosed stroke (no more than three lifetime episodes)
- Stroke duration between 6 to 24 months
- Ability to perform antigravity shoulder movement with the paretic limb
- Abbreviated Mental Test score ≥ 7
- Medically stable and capable of giving consent
Who cannot join
- • Uncontrolled systemic conditions (e.g. Unstable cardiac conditions)
- Major orthopedic issues affecting the involved upper limb
- Hearing deficits
- Allergy to electrodes
- Receptive aphasia or severe language impairment
- Severe joint contracture limiting required upper limb movements
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country. Contact the study team or a site near you to ask about taking part.
Dr Ayesha Principal Investigator contact
About this study
This randomized clinical trial will examine upper limb rehabilitation in individuals recovering from stroke. The study will compare unilateral and bilateral task-oriented training approaches to determine their relative effectiveness. Thirty-two medically stable participants with active shoulder movement and adequate cognition will be enrolled into two groups. Both groups will receive structured training for four weeks. Outcomes related to motor function and dexterity will be measured using standardized assessment tools. The aim is to identify the more effective strategy for improving upper extremity function after stroke.
- Conditions
- Stroke
- Being tested
- Unilateral task oriented training (UTOT) with baseline EMS, Bilateral task oriented training (BTOT) with baseline EMS
- Medical subject headings
- Stroke
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Unilateral task oriented training (UTOT) with baseline EMSProcedure or surgery
Baseline: EMS applied to target muscles (depending on requirement of patient like wrist and finger extensors) with 15-20 minutes duration Treatment: Task oriented functional exercises performed only with affected arm. Task progress from simple to complex e.g. drinking form a cup, lifting a glass to 90° flexion of shoulder, polishing a table, and hair combing. Visual, verbal, or proprioceptive feedback provided to support motor learning. Sessions conducted 4 times/week for 4 weeks.
Bilateral task oriented training (BTOT) with baseline EMSProcedure or surgery
Baseline: EMS applied to target muscles (depending on requirement of patient like wrist and finger extensors) with 15-20 minutes duration Treatment: Same tasks previous group, but performed by both upper limbs, simultaneously in a coordinated manner. Intensity, duration and task complexity matched with UTOT group to ensure comparability. Therapist provides cueing and feedback to maintain proper movement and progression. Sessions conducted 4 times/week for 4 weeks.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Unilateral task oriented training with Electrical Muscle Stimulation | Experimental | Not described Receives: Procedure: Unilateral task oriented training (UTOT) with baseline EMS |
| Bilateral task oriented training with Electrical Muscle Stimulation | Active comparator | Not described Receives: Procedure: Bilateral task oriented training (BTOT) with baseline EMS |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Motor recovery and upper extremity function
Motor recovery and upper extremity performance will be assessed using Fugl-Meyer Assessment for Upper Extremity (FMA-UE). This scale assesses upper limb motor function by examining reflex activity, voluntary movements and movement synergy patterns. It allows systemic tracking of recovery over time.
Measured: Four weeks
Secondary outcomes (1)
Hand dexterity
Modified Box and Block test, a customized adaptation of the original test, will assess hand dexterity. It has been validated for use in individuals with stroke and demonstrates high reliability. It supports excellent test-retest reliability meaning strong consistency.
Measured: Four weeks
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted13 Apr 2026
- Study start5 Apr 2026 (estimated)
- Primary completion5 May 2026 (estimated)
- Study completion15 May 2026 (estimated)
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Other trials for StrokeStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- 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
- Double blind
- Who is masked
- Participant, Outcomes assessor
- Enrolment
- 32 participants (estimated)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- University of Faisalabad
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Principal investigator, Dr Izza Ayub; PT, University of Faisalabad
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07523503
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- TUF/EIRB/165/26
- Status last verified
- Apr 2026
- First submitted
- 5 Apr 2026
- Last updated
- 13 Apr 2026
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 13 Apr 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Unilateral Versus Bilateral Task-specific Training on Motor Impairment, Upper Extremity Function, and Hand Dexterity in Post-Stroke Rehabilitation
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07523503
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- TUF/EIRB/165/26
- Conditions
- Stroke
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Recruiting
- Enrolment
- 32 participants (estimated)
- Lead sponsor
- University of FaisalabadUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 5 Apr 2026 (estimated)
- Primary completion
- 5 May 2026 (estimated)
- Study completion
- 15 May 2026 (estimated)
- First posted
- 13 Apr 2026 (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 examine upper limb rehabilitation in individuals recovering from stroke. The study will compare unilateral and bilateral task-oriented training approaches to determine their relative effectiveness. Thirty-two medically stable participants with active shoulder movement and adequate cognition will be enrolled into two groups. Both groups will receive structured training for four weeks. Outcomes related to motor function and dexterity will be measured using standardized assessment tools. The aim is to identify the more effective strategy for improving upper extremity function after stroke.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Double blind (participant, outcomes assessor)
- Number of arms
- 2
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Unilateral task oriented training with Electrical Muscle Stimulation | Experimental | Procedure: Unilateral task oriented training (UTOT) with baseline EMS |
| Bilateral task oriented training with Electrical Muscle Stimulation | Active comparator | Procedure: Bilateral task oriented training (BTOT) with baseline EMS |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 40 to 75 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Not accepted
- Age groups
- Adult, Older adult
Key inclusion criteria (6 listed)
- • Age between 40 and 75 years
Key exclusion criteria (6 listed)
- • Uncontrolled systemic conditions (e.g. Unstable cardiac conditions)
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Unilateral task oriented training (UTOT) with baseline EMSBaseline: EMS applied to target muscles (depending on requirement of patient like wrist and finger extensors) with 15-20 minutes duration Treatment: Task oriented functional exercises performed only with affected arm. Task progress from simple to complex e.g. drinking form a cup, lifting a glass to 90° flexion of shoulder, polishing a table, and hair combing. Visual, verbal, or proprioceptive feedback provided to support motor learning. Sessions conducted 4 times/week for 4 weeks. | Procedure or surgery | Unilateral task oriented training with Electrical Muscle Stimulation |
| Bilateral task oriented training (BTOT) with baseline EMSBaseline: EMS applied to target muscles (depending on requirement of patient like wrist and finger extensors) with 15-20 minutes duration Treatment: Same tasks previous group, but performed by both upper limbs, simultaneously in a coordinated manner. Intensity, duration and task complexity matched with UTOT group to ensure comparability. Therapist provides cueing and feedback to maintain proper movement and progression. Sessions conducted 4 times/week for 4 weeks. | Procedure or surgery | Bilateral task oriented training with Electrical Muscle Stimulation |
Primary outcome
Motor recovery and upper extremity function
Time frame: Four weeks
Motor recovery and upper extremity performance will be assessed using Fugl-Meyer Assessment for Upper Extremity (FMA-UE). This scale assesses upper limb motor function by examining reflex activity, voluntary movements and movement synergy patterns. It allows systemic tracking of recovery over time.
1 secondary outcome
Hand dexterity
Time frame: Four weeks
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 13 Apr 2026.
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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.
Dr Ayesha Principal Investigator contact
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing Unilateral task oriented training (UTOT) with baseline EMS and Bilateral task oriented training (BTOT) with baseline EMS in people with Stroke, run by University of Faisalabad at 1 site 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 6 inclusion and 6 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: looking for participants now, as of the sponsor's last update on 13 Apr 2026. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.
Where is the study taking place?
The record lists 1 site 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 Dr Izza Ayub Principal Investigator ((041) 8868326, drizzaayub@gmail.com), or a site near the patient. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
Motor recovery and upper extremity function (time frame: Four weeks). It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
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 13 Apr 2026.