StrokeNCT07797712
Impact of Mirror Therapy Combined With Conventional Training on Gait and Lower Limb Motor Function Among Post-Stroke Patients
A study testing Mirror Therapy Based Functional Training and Conventional Lower Limb Training in people with Stroke, run by Ibadat International University, Islamabad at 1 site in Pakistan.
Trial summary
This randomized controlled trial aims to evaluate the effects of mirror therapy combined with conventional training on gait and lower limb motor function among post-stroke patients. Stroke remains a worldwide health crisis, persistently ranking as a leading cause of long-term severe disability. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 40 to 70 years
- Conditions the study is for
- Stroke
- What is being tested?
- Mirror Therapy Based Functional Training and Conventional Lower Limb Training
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 52 participants
- Where
- 1 sitePakistan
- Study dates
- 15 Apr 2026to 25 Sep 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
- Diagnosed with the first-ever unilateral stroke.
- Duration of stroke between 3 months and 6 months (subacute to chronic stage).
- Both male and female patients aged 40 to 70 years.
- Ability to walk at least 10 meters independently.
- Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE) score >24.
- Brunnstrom stage of recovery for the lower limb is > 3, indicating some voluntary movement out of synergy.
Who cannot join
- Severe cognitive impairment, perceptual deficits, or inability to follow simple verbal commands (e.g., severe aphasia or low MMSE score).
- Presence of other neurological disorders affecting motor performance such as Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, traumatic brain injury, or cerebellar disorders.
- Severe musculoskeletal disorders of the lower limb, including fracture, contracture, severe osteoarthritis, or pain limiting participation in exercise.
- Uncontrolled medical conditions such as unstable hypertension, uncontrolled diabetes mellitus, a recent cardiac event, or other conditions making exercise unsafe.
- Severe visual impairment, vestibular dysfunction, or hearing loss that may interfere with treatment instructions or mirror-based feedback.
- Severe unilateral neglect (hemispatial neglect) or apraxia interfering with task performance.
- Current participation in another physiotherapy, rehabilitation, or interventional research study during the data collection period.
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country. Contact the study team or a site near you to ask about taking part.
Pakistan1 site, 1 recruiting
- Recruiting
Department of Physical Therapy at suleman medical complex hospital, Quetta.
Quetta, Balochistan
Dr Nazish Rafique, +923138092081, ammar@gmail.com
About this study
This randomized controlled trial aims to evaluate the effects of mirror therapy combined with conventional training on gait and lower limb motor function among post-stroke patients. Stroke remains a worldwide health crisis, persistently ranking as a leading cause of long-term severe disability. The study will evaluate the gait and lower limb motor function.
- Conditions
- Stroke
- Being tested
- Mirror Therapy Based Functional Training, Conventional Lower Limb Training
- Keywords
- Gait, Stroke, Mirror Movement Therapy
- Medical subject headings
- Stroke
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Mirror Therapy Based Functional TrainingOther
(Basic) - Sitting position:
- Ankle dorsiflexion/plantarflexion (simulating pressing a gas pedal)
- Knee extension/flexion (simulating kicking a ball)
- Hip flexion/extension (simulating marching)
- Ankle circling in both directions (Intermediate)-Sitting to standing transition:
- Performing "stepping" movements while seated
- Simulated sit-to-stand movements focusing on weight transfer observed in the reflection
- Sliding the foot forward and backward along the floor (simulating the swing phase of gait)
- Heel slides (Advanced) - Standing position:
- Heel raises and toe raises in standing
- Weight shifting between limbs observing symmetry in the mirror
- Mini squats and half squats with mirror feedback
- Stepping forward, backward, and laterally
- Tracing shapes or following a moving target with the foot
- Practicing coordinated ankle movements essential for navigating uneven terrain.
Conventional Lower Limb TrainingOther
Passive and active-assisted range of motion exercises for hip, knee, and ankle joints of the affected limb
- Bridging exercises
- Ankle dorsiflexion/plantarflexion against manual resistance or TheraBand
- Seated knee extension
- Mini squats
- Heel raises
- Straight leg raises
- Weight shifting in standing (side-to-side and front-toback)
- Sit-to-stand transfers
- Tandem standing
- Single-leg stance (with support as needed)
- Standing on foam surface (if available)
- Practice walking on level surfaces with emphasis on weight-bearing on affected limb
- Focus on heel strike and push-off phases
- Verbal cues for step length and symmetry
- Gait speed variations (slow to moderate pace)
- Gentle stretching of hamstrings, quadriceps, gastrocnemius, and soleus muscles
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Group A | Experimental | Participants in this group will receive mirror therapy-based functional training with conventional lower limb training. This training program will focus on gait and lower limb motor function. Receives: Other: Mirror Therapy Based Functional Training; Other: Conventional Lower Limb Training |
| Group B | Active comparator | Participants in this group will receive conventional lower limb training. This training program will focus on gait and lower limb motor function. Receives: Other: Conventional Lower Limb Training |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
10-Meter Walk Test (10MWT)
This test measures gait speed (m/s) over a short distance and is a highly sensitive measure of functional walking ability. It has excellent test-retest reliability (ICC = 0.95 to 0.99) in individuals with chronic stroke and is considered a valid core outcome measure for gait recovery.
Measured: Baseline, Weeks 3 and 6.
Timed Up and Go Test (TUG)
This test assesses functional mobility and dynamic balance by measuring the time (in seconds) it takes an individual to stand up from a chair, walk 3 meters, turn, walk back, and sit down. It demonstrates excellent reliability (ICC = 0.95) in the stroke population and is highly responsive to changes in mobility.
Measured: Baseline, Weeks 3 and 6.
Fugl-Meyer Assessment for Lower Extremity (FMA-LE)
This is a stroke-specific performance-based impairment index used to quantitatively measure motor function, sensation, and coordination in the lower limb. It is widely regarded as the gold standard for assessing motor recovery after stroke, with high inter-rater reliability (ICC = 0.97).
Measured: Baseline, Weeks 3 and 6.
Wisconsin Gait Scale (WGS)
This is a valid and reliable observational gait analysis tool specifically designed for the qualitative assessment of hemiplegic gait. It assesses 14 observable parameters across different phases of gait (e.g., stance, swing) and has high inter-rater (r = 0.91) and test-retest (r = 0.92) reliability in stroke patients (Rodriquez et al., 1996). The WGS was selected to capture the nuanced spatiotemporal improvements in gait pattern (e.g., step length, symmetry) that are clinically meaningful but may not be fully reflected in speed or timed tests alone.
Measured: Baseline, Weeks 3 and 6.
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted1 Sep 2026
- Study start15 Apr 2026
- Primary completion20 Sep 2026 (estimated)
- Study completion25 Sep 2026 (estimated)
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Publications (1)Papers the sponsor has linked to this study.
- 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
- Model description
- Parallel Assignment
- Masking
- Single blind
- Who is masked
- Outcomes assessor
- Enrolment
- 52 participants (estimated)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Ibadat International University, Islamabad
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Sponsor
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07797712
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- IIUI/RERC/ADT/2026/05/260
- Status last verified
- May 2026
- First submitted
- 6 Jul 2026
- Last updated
- 1 Sep 2026
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- No
Publications
GBD 2021 Stroke Collaborators. (2023). Global, regional, and national burden of stroke and its risk factors, 1990-2021: A systematic analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2021. The Lancet Neurology, 22(10), 915-939. 2. Khan, M., Ahmed, S., & Anwar, S. (2022). Burden of stroke in Pakistan: A growing concern. Journal of Pakistan Medical Association, 72(2), 242-246. 3. Li, S., Francisco, G. E., & Zhou, P. (2018). Post-stroke hemiplegic gait: New perspective and insights. Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Clinics of North America, 29(4), 719-735. 4. Hatem, S. M., Saussez, G., Della Faille, M., Prist, V., Zhang, X., Dispa, D., et al. (2016). Rehabilitation of motor function after stroke: A multiple systematic review focused on techniques to stimulate upper extremity recovery. Frontiers in Human Neuroscience, 10, 442. 5. Garrison, K. A., Winstein, C. J., & Aziz-Zadeh, L. (2010). The mirror neuron system: A neural substrate for methods in stroke rehabilitation. Neurorehabilitation and Neural Repair, 24(5), 404-412. 6. Thieme, H., Morkisch, N., Mehrholz, J., Pohl, M., Behrens, J., & Dohle, C. (2018). Mirror therapy for improving motor function after stroke. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 7, CD008449. 7. Broderick, P., Horgan, F., Blake, C., & O'Keeffe, M. (2022). Mirror therapy for improving lower limb motor function and mobility after stroke: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Clinical Rehabilitation, 36(4), 437-453. 8. Veerbeek, J. M., van Wegen, E., van Peppen, R., van der Wees, P. J., Hendriks, E., Rietberg, M., et al. (2014). What is the evidence for physical therapy poststroke? A systematic review and meta-analysis. PLoS ONE, 9(2), e87987. 9. Hornby, T. G., Reisman, D. S., Ward, I. G., Scheets, P. L., Miller, A., Haddad, D., et al. (2020). Clinical practice guideline to improve locomotor function following chronic stroke, incomplete spinal cord injury, and brain injury. Journal of Neurologic Physical Therapy, 44(1), 49-100.
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 1 Sep 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Impact of Mirror Therapy Combined With Conventional Training on Gait and Lower Limb Motor Function Among Post-Stroke Patients
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07797712
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- IIUI/RERC/ADT/2026/05/260
- Conditions
- Stroke
- Keywords
- Gait, Stroke, Mirror Movement Therapy
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Recruiting
- Enrolment
- 52 participants (estimated)
- Lead sponsor
- Ibadat International University, IslamabadUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 15 Apr 2026 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 20 Sep 2026 (estimated)
- Study completion
- 25 Sep 2026 (estimated)
- First posted
- 1 Sep 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 evaluate the effects of mirror therapy combined with conventional training on gait and lower limb motor function among post-stroke patients. Stroke remains a worldwide health crisis, persistently ranking as a leading cause of long-term severe disability. The study will evaluate the gait and lower limb motor function.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Single blind (outcomes assessor)
- Number of arms
- 2
- Model description
- Parallel Assignment
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Group A | Experimental | Other: Mirror Therapy Based Functional Training, Other: Conventional Lower Limb TrainingParticipants in this group will receive mirror therapy-based functional training with conventional lower limb training. This training program will focus on gait and lower limb motor function. |
| Group B | Active comparator | Other: Conventional Lower Limb TrainingParticipants in this group will receive conventional lower limb training. This training program will focus on gait and lower limb motor function. |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 40 to 70 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Not accepted
- Age groups
- Adult, Older adult
Key inclusion criteria (6 listed)
- Diagnosed with the first-ever unilateral stroke.
- Duration of stroke between 3 months and 6 months (subacute to chronic stage).
- Both male and female patients aged 40 to 70 years.
- Ability to walk at least 10 meters independently.
- Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE) score >24.
Key exclusion criteria (7 listed)
- Severe cognitive impairment, perceptual deficits, or inability to follow simple verbal commands (e.g., severe aphasia or low MMSE score).
- Presence of other neurological disorders affecting motor performance such as Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, traumatic brain injury, or cerebellar disorders.
- Severe musculoskeletal disorders of the lower limb, including fracture, contracture, severe osteoarthritis, or pain limiting participation in exercise.
- Uncontrolled medical conditions such as unstable hypertension, uncontrolled diabetes mellitus, a recent cardiac event, or other conditions making exercise unsafe.
- Severe visual impairment, vestibular dysfunction, or hearing loss that may interfere with treatment instructions or mirror-based feedback.
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Mirror Therapy Based Functional Training(Basic) - Sitting position: * Ankle dorsiflexion/plantarflexion (simulating pressing a gas pedal) * Knee extension/flexion (simulating kicking a ball) * Hip flexion/extension (simulating marching) * Ankle circling in both directions (Intermediate)-Sitting to standing transition: * Performing "stepping" movements while seated * Simulated sit-to-stand movements focusing on weight transfer observed in the reflection * Sliding the foot forward and backward along the floor (simulating the swing phase of gait) * Heel slides (Advanced) - Standing position: * Heel raises and toe raises in standing * Weight shifting between limbs observing symmetry in the mirror * Mini squats and half squats with mirror feedback * Stepping forward, backward, and laterally * Tracing shapes or following a moving target with the foot * Practicing coordinated ankle movements essential for navigating uneven terrain. | Other | Group A |
| Conventional Lower Limb TrainingPassive and active-assisted range of motion exercises for hip, knee, and ankle joints of the affected limb * Bridging exercises * Ankle dorsiflexion/plantarflexion against manual resistance or TheraBand * Seated knee extension * Mini squats * Heel raises * Straight leg raises * Weight shifting in standing (side-to-side and front-toback) * Sit-to-stand transfers * Tandem standing * Single-leg stance (with support as needed) * Standing on foam surface (if available) * Practice walking on level surfaces with emphasis on weight-bearing on affected limb * Focus on heel strike and push-off phases * Verbal cues for step length and symmetry * Gait speed variations (slow to moderate pace) * Gentle stretching of hamstrings, quadriceps, gastrocnemius, and soleus muscles | Other | Group A, Group B |
Primary outcome
10-Meter Walk Test (10MWT)
Time frame: Baseline, Weeks 3 and 6.
This test measures gait speed (m/s) over a short distance and is a highly sensitive measure of functional walking ability. It has excellent test-retest reliability (ICC = 0.95 to 0.99) in individuals with chronic stroke and is considered a valid core outcome measure for gait recovery.
Timed Up and Go Test (TUG)
Time frame: Baseline, Weeks 3 and 6.
This test assesses functional mobility and dynamic balance by measuring the time (in seconds) it takes an individual to stand up from a chair, walk 3 meters, turn, walk back, and sit down. It demonstrates excellent reliability (ICC = 0.95) in the stroke population and is highly responsive to changes in mobility.
Fugl-Meyer Assessment for Lower Extremity (FMA-LE)
Time frame: Baseline, Weeks 3 and 6.
This is a stroke-specific performance-based impairment index used to quantitatively measure motor function, sensation, and coordination in the lower limb. It is widely regarded as the gold standard for assessing motor recovery after stroke, with high inter-rater reliability (ICC = 0.97).
Wisconsin Gait Scale (WGS)
Time frame: Baseline, Weeks 3 and 6.
This is a valid and reliable observational gait analysis tool specifically designed for the qualitative assessment of hemiplegic gait. It assesses 14 observable parameters across different phases of gait (e.g., stance, swing) and has high inter-rater (r = 0.91) and test-retest (r = 0.92) reliability in stroke patients (Rodriquez et al., 1996). The WGS was selected to capture the nuanced spatiotemporal improvements in gait pattern (e.g., step length, symmetry) that are clinically meaningful but may not be fully reflected in speed or timed tests alone.
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 1 Sep 2026.
- BackgroundGBD 2021 Stroke Collaborators. (2023). Global, regional, and national burden of stroke and its risk factors, 1990-2021: A systematic analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2021. The Lancet Neurology, 22(10), 915-939. 2. Khan, M., Ahmed, S., & Anwar, S. (2022). Burden of stroke in Pakistan: A growing concern. Journal of Pakistan Medical Association, 72(2), 242-246. 3. Li, S., Francisco, G. E., & Zhou, P. (2018). Post-stroke hemiplegic gait: New perspective and insights. Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Clinics of North America, 29(4), 719-735. 4. Hatem, S. M., Saussez, G., Della Faille, M., Prist, V., Zhang, X., Dispa, D., et al. (2016). Rehabilitation of motor function after stroke: A multiple systematic review focused on techniques to stimulate upper extremity recovery. Frontiers in Human Neuroscience, 10, 442. 5. Garrison, K. A., Winstein, C. J., & Aziz-Zadeh, L. (2010). The mirror neuron system: A neural substrate for methods in stroke rehabilitation. Neurorehabilitation and Neural Repair, 24(5), 404-412. 6. Thieme, H., Morkisch, N., Mehrholz, J., Pohl, M., Behrens, J., & Dohle, C. (2018). Mirror therapy for improving motor function after stroke. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 7, CD008449. 7. Broderick, P., Horgan, F., Blake, C., & O'Keeffe, M. (2022). Mirror therapy for improving lower limb motor function and mobility after stroke: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Clinical Rehabilitation, 36(4), 437-453. 8. Veerbeek, J. M., van Wegen, E., van Peppen, R., van der Wees, P. J., Hendriks, E., Rietberg, M., et al. (2014). What is the evidence for physical therapy poststroke? A systematic review and meta-analysis. PLoS ONE, 9(2), e87987. 9. Hornby, T. G., Reisman, D. S., Ward, I. G., Scheets, P. L., Miller, A., Haddad, D., et al. (2020). Clinical practice guideline to improve locomotor function following chronic stroke, incomplete spinal cord injury, and brain injury. Journal of Neurologic Physical Therapy, 44(1), 49-100.
- 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.
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing Mirror Therapy Based Functional Training and Conventional Lower Limb Training in people with Stroke, run by Ibadat International University, Islamabad 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 7 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 1 Sep 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 Muhammad Ammar Muhammad Ammar, DPT, MS-PT NPT (+923138092081, ammarkhanazxc36@gmail.com), or a site near the patient. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
10-Meter Walk Test (10MWT) (time frame: Baseline, Weeks 3 and 6.). The study lists 4 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 NCT07797712, which also lists 1 linked publication.
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 1 Sep 2026.