Trunk Control in StrokeNCT07598487
Comparative Effects of PNF (Rhythmic Stabilization With Stabilizing Reversal) and NDT (Facilitatory Techniques) on Trunk Control in Sub-Acute Stroke
A study testing PNF (Rhythmic Stabilization with Stabilizing Reversal techniques) and NDT (Facilitatory Techniques) in people with Trunk Control in Stroke, run by University of Faisalabad at 1 site in Pakistan.
Trial summary
A stroke is a serious cerebrovascular accident defined as the sudden onset of a neurological deficit caused by vascular changes. Stroke are classified into primarily two types; ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 40 to 65 years
- Conditions the study is for
- Trunk Control in Stroke
- What is being tested?
- PNF (Rhythmic Stabilization with Stabilizing Reversal techniques) and NDT (Facilitatory Techniques)
- 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
- 13 May 2026to 11 Jul 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 65 years
- All sexes
- No healthy volunteers
- Adult, Older adult
Who may be able to join
- Both males and females will be eligible for this study. Patient diagnosed with an ischemic stroke involving the Middle Cerebral Artery resulting in hemiparesis will be included. Participants with significant trunk instability, defined by a score of less than 21 on the Trunk Impairment Scale will be included.
Who cannot join
- Those presenting with recurrent stroke and severe cardiovascular instability will be excluded from the study.
- Patients with co-existing neurological disorders or severe cerebellar lesion will be excluded from the study.
- Individuals with significant cognitive deficit or language impairments that hinder the ability to follow simple instructions will be excluded from the study.
- Patients with severe pre-existing musculoskeletal pathologies will be excluded from the study.
- -
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country. Contact the study team or a site near you to ask about taking part.
About this study
A stroke is a serious cerebrovascular accident defined as the sudden onset of a neurological deficit caused by vascular changes. Stroke are classified into primarily two types; ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke. In an ischemic stroke, there is an inadequate blood supply to the central nervous system, whereas a hemorrhagic stroke involves a blood vessel rupture and subsequent blood accumulation. Stroke is the fifth leading cause of death and primary cause of severe disability. In hemiplegic patient, trunk impairment is frequently present due to muscular weakness. Furthermore, it can lead to severe functional impairments and reduce a patient's quality of life. Severe complications will occur, if left untreated these complications can lead to functional dependency. Trunk muscular activity is delayed in stroke patient, muscles involved in reaching activity of upper limb activates earlier than the trunk muscles themselves. Trunk muscles play a unique role in maintaining upright posture during sitting, standing and they are important for stabilizing proximal body parts during voluntary limb movements. Patients with hemiparesis often struggle to move their trunk against gravity, regardless of the specific muscle activity required.
Different treatment approaches are used to manage trunk stability in stroke patients with Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation and Neurodevelopmental Facilitatory Techniques being two of the most common techniques in neurorehabilitation. Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation technique (PNF) is a well- established approach used to improve functional movement through facilitation, strengthening and lengthening of muscle groups. Neurodevelopmental treatment focuses on the patient's active participation to improve motor control. The aim of this study is to compare the effects of PNF (Rhythmic Stabilization with Stabilizing Reversal) and NDT (Facilitatory Techniques) on trunk control in subacute stroke patients. Thirty- two participants having age 40-65years, hemiparesis, Middle Cerebral Artery Stroke will be included. Patients with recurrent stroke, impaired cognition, severe cerebellar ataxia, severe language deficit and severe musculoskeletal disorders will be excluded.
Read more
Electrical stimulation will be given as a baseline treatment for 10-15 minutes on hemiparesis side. Group A will receive PNF facilitation along with the baseline
5
treatment. Group B will receive Neurodevelopmental facilitation techniques in addition to the baseline treatment. Specific clinical tools will be used to assess trunk mobility in stroke survivors. Trunk Impairment Scale (TIS) will be used to evaluate motor rearrangement and provide clinicians with information regarding the quality of trunk movements and stability. Modified Functional Reach Test (MFRT) is reliable test for stroke survivors with impaired trunk mobility. It will be used to evaluate the participants ability to maintain dynamic sitting balance. Data will be analyzed using SPSS (2023 version). Statistical test will be selected based on data normality. If the data will be normally distributed, independent and paired t- test will be applied. If data will be not normal, then Wilcoxon Signed Rank and Mann Whitney U test will be utilized.
- Conditions
- Trunk Control in Stroke
- Being tested
- PNF (Rhythmic Stabilization with Stabilizing Reversal techniques), NDT (Facilitatory Techniques)
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
PNF (Rhythmic Stabilization with Stabilizing Reversal techniques)Procedure or surgery
Baseline: Electrical Muscle Stimulation for a duration of 10-15 minutes Group A-Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF) Participants will receive baseline treatment combined with particular proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation techniques, including Rhythmic Stabilization and Stabilizing Reversal. Both techniques are known to engage deep trunk muscles, which contributes to symmetrical movement pattern and better postural control.
NDT (Facilitatory Techniques)Procedure or surgery
Group B will be treated with baseline EMS for a duration of 10-15 minutes. alongside various facilitatory techniques designed to restore trunk function.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Group A PNF (Rhythmic Stabilization with Stabilizing Reversal techniques) | Experimental | Not described Receives: Procedure: PNF (Rhythmic Stabilization with Stabilizing Reversal techniques) |
| Group B NDT (Facilitatory Techniques) | Experimental | Not described Receives: Procedure: NDT (Facilitatory Techniques) |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Trunk control
Trunk impairment scale (TIS) is a highly trusted clinical resource used to measure core stability in stroke survivors, especially during the vital subacute stroke recovery period. This tool breaks down core function into three key areas; how well a patient sit still, how they move while seated and how coordinated their torso is. Since, core strength is the foundation for almost every movement (from sitting upright to (walking) a low score on the TIS often highlights why a patient might struggle with mobility and balance.
Measured: 8 weeks
Secondary outcomes (1)
Modified Functional Reach Test (MFRT)
Modified Functional Reach Test (MFRT) is reliable test for stroke survivors with impaired trunk mobility. It will be used to evaluate the participants ability to maintain dynamic sitting balance and trunk control. While based on the original Functional Reach Test, the MFRT is specifically adapted for patients who lack the ability to stand unaided.
Measured: 8 weeks
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted20 May 2026
- Study start13 May 2026 (estimated)
- Primary completion11 Jun 2026 (estimated)
- Study completion11 Jul 2026 (estimated)
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Other trials for Trunk Control in 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
- Single blind
- Who is masked
- Participant
- Enrolment
- 32 participants (estimated)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- University of Faisalabad
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Principal investigator, Lieza Iftikhar, University of Faisalabad
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07598487
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- TUF/EIRB/167/26
- Status last verified
- May 2026
- First submitted
- 13 May 2026
- Last updated
- 20 May 2026
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- Yes
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 20 May 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Comparative Effects of PNF (Rhythmic Stabilization With Stabilizing Reversal) and NDT (Facilitatory Techniques) on Trunk Control in Sub-Acute Stroke
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07598487
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- TUF/EIRB/167/26
- Conditions
- Trunk Control in Stroke
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Enrolling by invitation
- Enrolment
- 32 participants (estimated)
- Lead sponsor
- University of FaisalabadUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 13 May 2026 (estimated)
- Primary completion
- 11 Jun 2026 (estimated)
- Study completion
- 11 Jul 2026 (estimated)
- First posted
- 20 May 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.
A stroke is a serious cerebrovascular accident defined as the sudden onset of a neurological deficit caused by vascular changes. Stroke are classified into primarily two types; ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke. In an ischemic stroke, there is an inadequate blood supply to the central nervous system, whereas a hemorrhagic stroke involves a blood vessel rupture and subsequent blood accumulation. Stroke is the fifth leading cause of death and primary cause of severe disability. In hemiplegic patient, trunk impairment is frequently present due to muscular weakness. Furthermore, it can lead to severe functional impairments and reduce a patient's quality of life. Severe complications will occur, if left untreated these complications can lead to functional dependency. Trunk muscular activity is delayed in stroke patient, muscles involved in reaching activity of upper limb activates earlier than the trunk muscles themselves. Trunk muscles play a unique role in maintaining upright posture during sitting, standing and they are important for stabilizing proximal body parts during voluntary limb movements. Patients with hemiparesis often struggle to move their trunk against gravity, regardless of the specific muscle activity required.
Different treatment approaches are used to manage trunk stability in stroke patients with Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation and Neurodevelopmental Facilitatory Techniques being two of the most common techniques in neurorehabilitation. Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation technique (PNF) is a well- established approach used to improve functional movement through facilitation, strengthening and lengthening of muscle groups. Neurodevelopmental treatment focuses on the patient's active participation to improve motor control. The aim of this study is to compare the effects of PNF (Rhythmic Stabilization with Stabilizing Reversal) and NDT (Facilitatory Techniques) on trunk control in subacute stroke patients. Thirty- two participants having age 40-65years, hemiparesis, Middle Cerebral Artery Stroke will be included. Patients with recurrent stroke, impaired cognition, severe cerebellar ataxia, severe language deficit and severe musculoskeletal disorders will be excluded.
Electrical stimulation will be given as a baseline treatment for 10-15 minutes on hemiparesis side. Group A will receive PNF facilitation along with the baseline
5
treatment. Group B will receive Neurodevelopmental facilitation techniques in addition to the baseline treatment. Specific clinical tools will be used to assess trunk mobility in stroke survivors. Trunk Impairment Scale (TIS) will be used to evaluate motor rearrangement and provide clinicians with information regarding the quality of trunk movements and stability. Modified Functional Reach Test (MFRT) is reliable test for stroke survivors with impaired trunk mobility. It will be used to evaluate the participants ability to maintain dynamic sitting balance. Data will be analyzed using SPSS (2023 version). Statistical test will be selected based on data normality. If the data will be normally distributed, independent and paired t- test will be applied. If data will be not normal, then Wilcoxon Signed Rank and Mann Whitney U test will be utilized.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Single blind (participant)
- Number of arms
- 2
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Group A PNF (Rhythmic Stabilization with Stabilizing Reversal techniques) | Experimental | Procedure: PNF (Rhythmic Stabilization with Stabilizing Reversal techniques) |
| Group B NDT (Facilitatory Techniques) | Experimental | Procedure: NDT (Facilitatory Techniques) |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 40 to 65 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Not accepted
- Age groups
- Adult, Older adult
Key inclusion criteria (1 listed)
- Both males and females will be eligible for this study. Patient diagnosed with an ischemic stroke involving the Middle Cerebral Artery resulting in hemiparesis will be included. Participants with significant trunk instability, defined by a score of less than 21 on the Trunk Impairment Scale will be included.
Key exclusion criteria (5 listed)
- Those presenting with recurrent stroke and severe cardiovascular instability will be excluded from the study.
- Patients with co-existing neurological disorders or severe cerebellar lesion will be excluded from the study.
- Individuals with significant cognitive deficit or language impairments that hinder the ability to follow simple instructions will be excluded from the study.
- Patients with severe pre-existing musculoskeletal pathologies will be excluded from the study.
- -
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 |
|---|---|---|
| PNF (Rhythmic Stabilization with Stabilizing Reversal techniques)Baseline: Electrical Muscle Stimulation for a duration of 10-15 minutes Group A-Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF) Participants will receive baseline treatment combined with particular proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation techniques, including Rhythmic Stabilization and Stabilizing Reversal. Both techniques are known to engage deep trunk muscles, which contributes to symmetrical movement pattern and better postural control. | Procedure or surgery | Group A PNF (Rhythmic Stabilization with Stabilizing Reversal techniques) |
| NDT (Facilitatory Techniques)Group B will be treated with baseline EMS for a duration of 10-15 minutes. alongside various facilitatory techniques designed to restore trunk function. | Procedure or surgery | Group B NDT (Facilitatory Techniques) |
Primary outcome
Trunk control
Time frame: 8 weeks
Trunk impairment scale (TIS) is a highly trusted clinical resource used to measure core stability in stroke survivors, especially during the vital subacute stroke recovery period. This tool breaks down core function into three key areas; how well a patient sit still, how they move while seated and how coordinated their torso is. Since, core strength is the foundation for almost every movement (from sitting upright to (walking) a low score on the TIS often highlights why a patient might struggle with mobility and balance.
1 secondary outcome
Modified Functional Reach Test (MFRT)
Time frame: 8 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 20 May 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.
The record lists no contact. Use the official record to reach the sponsor.
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing PNF (Rhythmic Stabilization with Stabilizing Reversal techniques) and NDT (Facilitatory Techniques) in people with Trunk Control in 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 1 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: enrolling by invitation, as of the sponsor's last update on 20 May 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?
The record lists no contact. The official record names the sponsor, who can be asked directly. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
Trunk control (time frame: 8 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 20 May 2026.