StrokeROCHASNCT07615569
Robot-assisted Versus Conventional Physical Therapy for Hand in Sub-acute Stroke
A study testing Robotic-Assisted Hand Rehabilitation Therapy and Conventional Physiotherapy in people with Stroke and Spastic Hemiplegia, run by Montiha Azeem at 1 site in Pakistan.
Trial summary
This randomized controlled trial aims to compare the effectiveness of robotic-assisted physiotherapy and conventional physiotherapy in improving hand function among patients with sub-acute stroke. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 30 to 50 years
- Conditions the study is for
- Stroke, Spastic Hemiplegia, Upper Limb Motor Impairment
- What is being tested?
- Robotic-Assisted Hand Rehabilitation Therapy and Conventional Physiotherapy
- Type of treatment
- Medical device, Surgery or procedure
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 30 participants
- Where
- 1 sitePakistan
- Study dates
- 22 May 2026to 23 Jun 2026
- Phase
- Interventional
- Are there results?
- None posted in the registry
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 30 to 50 years
- All sexes
- No healthy volunteers
- Adult
Who may be able to join
- Both male and female adults aged 30-50 years diagnosed with post-stroke spastic hemiplegia confirmed by a neurologist.
- Stroke duration 2 weeks to 6 months (sub acute stage) with medically stable condition.
- Presence of mild to moderate upper-limb spasticity using screening test(Modified Ashworth Scale score 1-3).
- Ability to comprehend and follow simple verbal instructions using screening test (MMSE ≥ 24).
Who cannot join
- No history of upper-limb orthopedic surgery or botulinum toxin injections in the last 6 months.
- History of recurrent or uncontrolled seizure disorders, progressive neurological diseases, or unstable cardiovascular conditions.
- Participation in any intensive upper-limb rehabilitation program (CIMT, bimanual training, task-specific training, robotic therapy, FES therapy) within the past 6 months.
- Comorbid conditions affecting upper-limb function (fractures, severe arthritis, peripheral nerve injuries).
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country.
Pakistan1 site
University of Lahore Teaching Hospital, Lahore
Lahore, Punjab Province, 54000
About this study
This randomized controlled trial aims to compare the effectiveness of robotic-assisted physiotherapy and conventional physiotherapy in improving hand function among patients with sub-acute stroke. Stroke often results in weakness, reduced hand strength, impaired dexterity, and difficulty performing daily activities due to upper-limb motor dysfunction. Early rehabilitation targeting hand recovery is essential to improve independence and quality of life.
A total of 30 participants with sub-acute post-stroke spastic hemiplegia will be recruited from the University of Lahore Hospital and randomly assigned into two groups. The intervention group will receive robotic-assisted physiotherapy focused on repetitive, task-specific wrist and finger extension training using a robotic hand/wrist device, while the control group will receive conventional therapist-led upper-limb rehabilitation exercises. Both groups will undergo treatment sessions lasting 30-45 minutes, five days per week for four weeks.
Read more
Outcome measures will include hand muscle strength assessed using a hand-held dynamometer, hand dexterity evaluated through the Action Research Arm Test (ARAT), and functional improvement measured using the Fugl-Meyer Assessment for Upper Extremity (FMA-UE). Additional measures such as spasticity, activities of daily living, and quality of life will also be recorded. Assessments will be conducted at baseline, during treatment, and after completion of the intervention period by a blinded assessor.
The study is expected to determine whether robotic-assisted physiotherapy provides greater improvements in hand strength, dexterity, and upper-limb functional recovery compared to conventional physiotherapy in individuals recovering from stroke. Findings from this research may contribute to evidence-based rehabilitation strategies for improving upper-limb outcomes after stroke.
Read the detailed description
Stroke is one of the leading causes of long-term disability worldwide and frequently results in upper-limb impairments that significantly affect independence and quality of life. Hand dysfunction, including reduced grip strength, poor dexterity, impaired coordination, and difficulty performing functional tasks, is common during the sub-acute phase following stroke. Recovery of hand and upper-limb function is considered a major goal of neurorehabilitation because deficits in grasping, object manipulation, and coordinated movement restrict performance of activities of daily living and social participation.
Conventional physiotherapy remains a widely used rehabilitation approach for upper-limb recovery after stroke. It typically involves therapist-guided range-of-motion exercises, strengthening, task-oriented training, neuromuscular facilitation, and functional retraining techniques. Although beneficial, conventional therapy may be limited by therapist fatigue, reduced intensity of repetitions, and variability in treatment delivery. Emerging rehabilitation technologies such as robotic-assisted physiotherapy have been introduced to overcome these limitations by providing high-intensity, repetitive, task-specific, and feedback-driven training that may enhance neuroplasticity and motor relearning.
Robotic-assisted physiotherapy allows patients to perform repeated wrist and finger movements with adjustable assistance or resistance while receiving visual or sensory feedback. These systems can increase the number of movement repetitions, promote active participation, and objectively monitor patient performance. Previous studies have suggested that robotic rehabilitation may improve motor control, muscle strength, and functional outcomes in stroke survivors; however, evidence comparing robotic-assisted therapy with conventional physiotherapy specifically for hand recovery in sub-acute stroke patients remains limited.
This randomized controlled trial will compare robotic-assisted physiotherapy with conventional physiotherapy for improving hand function in individuals with sub-acute stroke. Thirty participants meeting the eligibility criteria will be recruited from the University of Lahore Hospital and randomly allocated into two equal groups using the sealed-envelope randomization method. Group A will receive robotic-assisted physiotherapy targeting wrist and finger extension through repetitive, task-specific robotic training combined with visual feedback and progressive assistance or resistance. Group B will receive conventional physiotherapy consisting of active-assisted and resistive exercises, task-oriented training, neuromuscular facilitation, mirror therapy, and activities of daily living training. Both groups will receive treatment five days per week for four weeks, with each session lasting approximately 30-45 minutes.
Primary outcomes will include hand muscle strength measured by a hand-held dynamometer, hand dexterity assessed using the Action Research Arm Test (ARAT), and upper-limb functional recovery measured through the Fugl-Meyer Assessment for Upper Extremity (FMA-UE). Secondary outcomes will include spasticity using the Modified Ashworth Scale, activities of daily living using the Modified Barthel Index, and quality of life using the EQ-5D questionnaire. Outcome assessments will be performed at baseline, midpoint, and post-intervention by a blinded assessor using standardized protocols.
The findings of this study may help determine whether robotic-assisted physiotherapy offers superior benefits over conventional physiotherapy for hand rehabilitation in sub-acute stroke patients. The results may contribute to the development of evidence-based rehabilitation protocols and support the integration of advanced robotic technologies into stroke rehabilitation programs to optimize upper-limb recovery and functional independence.
- Conditions
- Stroke, Spastic Hemiplegia, Upper Limb Motor Impairment
- Being tested
- Robotic-Assisted Hand Rehabilitation Therapy, Conventional Physiotherapy
- Keywords
- Stroke, Robotic-assisted physiotherapy, Conventional physiotherapy, Hand rehabilitation
- Medical subject headings
- Stroke, Hemiplegia
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Robotic-Assisted Hand Rehabilitation TherapyDevice
Participants will receive robotic-assisted hand rehabilitation using a robotic hand/wrist training device designed to improve wrist and finger extension, hand coordination, and functional upper-limb recovery after stroke. The intervention will include repetitive task-specific movements, active-assist and active-resist training, grasp-release exercises, visual feedback activities, and functional motor practice supervised by a physiotherapist. Treatment intensity and robotic assistance will be progressively adjusted according to patient performance and recovery level. Sessions will last 30-45 minutes, 5 days per week for 4 weeks.
Conventional PhysiotherapyProcedure or surgery
Participants will receive conventional physiotherapy focused on upper-limb rehabilitation after stroke. The treatment program will include active-assisted and active range-of-motion exercises, strengthening exercises for wrist and finger extensors, task-specific functional training, neuromuscular facilitation techniques, mirror therapy, and activities of daily living practice. Exercise intensity and task difficulty will be progressively increased according to patient ability and motor recovery. Sessions will last 30-45 minutes, 5 days per week for 4 weeks under physiotherapist supervision.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| group A Robotic-Assisted Physiotherapy Group | Experimental | Participants in this group will receive robotic-assisted physiotherapy focused on wrist and finger extension training using a robotic hand/wrist rehabilitation device. Treatment will include repetitive task-specific movements, active-assist and active-resist exercises, visual feedback tasks, and functional grasp-release training. Sessions will be conducted for 30-45 minutes per session, 5 days per week for 4 weeks under therapist supervision. Receives: Device: Robotic-Assisted Hand Rehabilitation Therapy |
| group B Conventional Physiotherapy Group | Active comparator | Participants in this group will receive conventional therapist-led upper-limb rehabilitation consisting of active-assisted and active range-of-motion exercises, strengthening exercises for wrist and finger extensors, task-oriented functional training, neuromuscular facilitation, mirror therapy, and activities of daily living training. Sessions will be conducted for 30-45 minutes per session, 5 days per week for 4 weeks. Receives: Procedure: Conventional Physiotherapy |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Change in Upper Limb Motor Function Using Fugl-Meyer Assessment for Upper Extremity (FMA-UE)
The Fugl-Meyer Assessment for Upper Extremity (FMA-UE) will be used to evaluate motor recovery and functional improvement of the affected upper limb in participants with sub-acute stroke. The assessment includes evaluation of reflexes, movement synergy, wrist control, hand function, and coordination. Higher scores indicate better upper-limb motor performance and recovery.
Measured: Baseline and after 4 weeks of intervention
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted29 May 2026
- Study start22 May 2026
- Primary completion22 Jun 2026
- Study completion23 Jun 2026
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
- Single blind
- Who is masked
- Outcomes assessor
- Enrolment
- 30 participants (actual)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Montiha Azeem
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Sponsor-investigator, Montiha Azeem, University of Lahore
- Investigators
- Muhammad Uzair, MSPTN, Principal investigator, The University of Lahore, Lahore
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07615569
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- UOL/IREB/25/15/03/50
- Acronym
- ROCHAS
- Status last verified
- May 2026
- First submitted
- 22 May 2026
- Last updated
- 7 Jul 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 7 Jul 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Robot-assisted Versus Conventional Physical Therapy for Hand in Sub-acute Stroke
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07615569
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- ROCHAS / UOL/IREB/25/15/03/50
- Conditions
- Stroke, Spastic Hemiplegia, Upper Limb Motor Impairment
- Keywords
- Stroke, Robotic-assisted physiotherapy, Conventional physiotherapy, Hand rehabilitation
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Completed
- Enrolment
- 30 participants (actual)
- Lead sponsor
- Montiha AzeemUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 22 May 2026 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 22 Jun 2026 (actual)
- Study completion
- 23 Jun 2026 (actual)
- First posted
- 29 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.
This randomized controlled trial aims to compare the effectiveness of robotic-assisted physiotherapy and conventional physiotherapy in improving hand function among patients with sub-acute stroke. Stroke often results in weakness, reduced hand strength, impaired dexterity, and difficulty performing daily activities due to upper-limb motor dysfunction. Early rehabilitation targeting hand recovery is essential to improve independence and quality of life.
A total of 30 participants with sub-acute post-stroke spastic hemiplegia will be recruited from the University of Lahore Hospital and randomly assigned into two groups. The intervention group will receive robotic-assisted physiotherapy focused on repetitive, task-specific wrist and finger extension training using a robotic hand/wrist device, while the control group will receive conventional therapist-led upper-limb rehabilitation exercises. Both groups will undergo treatment sessions lasting 30-45 minutes, five days per week for four weeks.
Outcome measures will include hand muscle strength assessed using a hand-held dynamometer, hand dexterity evaluated through the Action Research Arm Test (ARAT), and functional improvement measured using the Fugl-Meyer Assessment for Upper Extremity (FMA-UE). Additional measures such as spasticity, activities of daily living, and quality of life will also be recorded. Assessments will be conducted at baseline, during treatment, and after completion of the intervention period by a blinded assessor.
The study is expected to determine whether robotic-assisted physiotherapy provides greater improvements in hand strength, dexterity, and upper-limb functional recovery compared to conventional physiotherapy in individuals recovering from stroke. Findings from this research may contribute to evidence-based rehabilitation strategies for improving upper-limb outcomes after stroke.
Detailed description
Stroke is one of the leading causes of long-term disability worldwide and frequently results in upper-limb impairments that significantly affect independence and quality of life. Hand dysfunction, including reduced grip strength, poor dexterity, impaired coordination, and difficulty performing functional tasks, is common during the sub-acute phase following stroke. Recovery of hand and upper-limb function is considered a major goal of neurorehabilitation because deficits in grasping, object manipulation, and coordinated movement restrict performance of activities of daily living and social participation.
Conventional physiotherapy remains a widely used rehabilitation approach for upper-limb recovery after stroke. It typically involves therapist-guided range-of-motion exercises, strengthening, task-oriented training, neuromuscular facilitation, and functional retraining techniques. Although beneficial, conventional therapy may be limited by therapist fatigue, reduced intensity of repetitions, and variability in treatment delivery. Emerging rehabilitation technologies such as robotic-assisted physiotherapy have been introduced to overcome these limitations by providing high-intensity, repetitive, task-specific, and feedback-driven training that may enhance neuroplasticity and motor relearning.
Robotic-assisted physiotherapy allows patients to perform repeated wrist and finger movements with adjustable assistance or resistance while receiving visual or sensory feedback. These systems can increase the number of movement repetitions, promote active participation, and objectively monitor patient performance. Previous studies have suggested that robotic rehabilitation may improve motor control, muscle strength, and functional outcomes in stroke survivors; however, evidence comparing robotic-assisted therapy with conventional physiotherapy specifically for hand recovery in sub-acute stroke patients remains limited.
This randomized controlled trial will compare robotic-assisted physiotherapy with conventional physiotherapy for improving hand function in individuals with sub-acute stroke. Thirty participants meeting the eligibility criteria will be recruited from the University of Lahore Hospital and randomly allocated into two equal groups using the sealed-envelope randomization method. Group A will receive robotic-assisted physiotherapy targeting wrist and finger extension through repetitive, task-specific robotic training combined with visual feedback and progressive assistance or resistance. Group B will receive conventional physiotherapy consisting of active-assisted and resistive exercises, task-oriented training, neuromuscular facilitation, mirror therapy, and activities of daily living training. Both groups will receive treatment five days per week for four weeks, with each session lasting approximately 30-45 minutes.
Primary outcomes will include hand muscle strength measured by a hand-held dynamometer, hand dexterity assessed using the Action Research Arm Test (ARAT), and upper-limb functional recovery measured through the Fugl-Meyer Assessment for Upper Extremity (FMA-UE). Secondary outcomes will include spasticity using the Modified Ashworth Scale, activities of daily living using the Modified Barthel Index, and quality of life using the EQ-5D questionnaire. Outcome assessments will be performed at baseline, midpoint, and post-intervention by a blinded assessor using standardized protocols.
The findings of this study may help determine whether robotic-assisted physiotherapy offers superior benefits over conventional physiotherapy for hand rehabilitation in sub-acute stroke patients. The results may contribute to the development of evidence-based rehabilitation protocols and support the integration of advanced robotic technologies into stroke rehabilitation programs to optimize upper-limb recovery and functional 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 Robotic-Assisted Physiotherapy Group | Experimental | Device: Robotic-Assisted Hand Rehabilitation TherapyParticipants in this group will receive robotic-assisted physiotherapy focused on wrist and finger extension training using a robotic hand/wrist rehabilitation device. Treatment will include repetitive task-specific movements, active-assist and active-resist exercises, visual feedback tasks, and functional grasp-release training. Sessions will be conducted for 30-45 minutes per session, 5 days per week for 4 weeks under therapist supervision. |
| group B Conventional Physiotherapy Group | Active comparator | Procedure: Conventional PhysiotherapyParticipants in this group will receive conventional therapist-led upper-limb rehabilitation consisting of active-assisted and active range-of-motion exercises, strengthening exercises for wrist and finger extensors, task-oriented functional training, neuromuscular facilitation, mirror therapy, and activities of daily living training. Sessions will be conducted for 30-45 minutes per session, 5 days per week for 4 weeks. |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 30 to 50 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Not accepted
- Age groups
- Adult
Key inclusion criteria (4 listed)
- Both male and female adults aged 30-50 years diagnosed with post-stroke spastic hemiplegia confirmed by a neurologist.
- Stroke duration 2 weeks to 6 months (sub acute stage) with medically stable condition.
- Presence of mild to moderate upper-limb spasticity using screening test(Modified Ashworth Scale score 1-3).
- Ability to comprehend and follow simple verbal instructions using screening test (MMSE ≥ 24).
Key exclusion criteria (4 listed)
- No history of upper-limb orthopedic surgery or botulinum toxin injections in the last 6 months.
- History of recurrent or uncontrolled seizure disorders, progressive neurological diseases, or unstable cardiovascular conditions.
- Participation in any intensive upper-limb rehabilitation program (CIMT, bimanual training, task-specific training, robotic therapy, FES therapy) within the past 6 months.
- Comorbid conditions affecting upper-limb function (fractures, severe arthritis, peripheral nerve injuries).
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Robotic-Assisted Hand Rehabilitation TherapyParticipants will receive robotic-assisted hand rehabilitation using a robotic hand/wrist training device designed to improve wrist and finger extension, hand coordination, and functional upper-limb recovery after stroke. The intervention will include repetitive task-specific movements, active-assist and active-resist training, grasp-release exercises, visual feedback activities, and functional motor practice supervised by a physiotherapist. Treatment intensity and robotic assistance will be progressively adjusted according to patient performance and recovery level. Sessions will last 30-45 minutes, 5 days per week for 4 weeks. | Device | group A Robotic-Assisted Physiotherapy Group |
| Conventional PhysiotherapyParticipants will receive conventional physiotherapy focused on upper-limb rehabilitation after stroke. The treatment program will include active-assisted and active range-of-motion exercises, strengthening exercises for wrist and finger extensors, task-specific functional training, neuromuscular facilitation techniques, mirror therapy, and activities of daily living practice. Exercise intensity and task difficulty will be progressively increased according to patient ability and motor recovery. Sessions will last 30-45 minutes, 5 days per week for 4 weeks under physiotherapist supervision. | Procedure or surgery | group B Conventional Physiotherapy Group |
Primary outcome
Change in Upper Limb Motor Function Using Fugl-Meyer Assessment for Upper Extremity (FMA-UE)
Time frame: Baseline and after 4 weeks of intervention
The Fugl-Meyer Assessment for Upper Extremity (FMA-UE) will be used to evaluate motor recovery and functional improvement of the affected upper limb in participants with sub-acute stroke. The assessment includes evaluation of reflexes, movement synergy, wrist control, hand function, and coordination. Higher scores indicate better upper-limb motor performance and recovery.
Results and safety
The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 7 Jul 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. This study is not recruiting at the moment.
Muhammad Uzair, MSPTN principal investigator
The University of Lahore, Lahore
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing Robotic-Assisted Hand Rehabilitation Therapy and Conventional Physiotherapy in people with Stroke and Spastic Hemiplegia, run by Montiha Azeem 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 4 inclusion and 4 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: finished, as of the sponsor's last update on 7 Jul 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?
The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.
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?
Change in Upper Limb Motor Function Using Fugl-Meyer Assessment for Upper Extremity (FMA-UE) (time frame: Baseline and after 4 weeks of intervention). 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 7 Jul 2026.