StrokeNCT07869667
NEURO-MODULATORY EFFECT OF ELECTRO-ACUPUNCTURE ON COMPLEX REGIONAL PAIN SYNDROME IN POST STROKE PATIENTS
A study testing Electroacupuncture and Conventional physical therapy program in people with Stroke, run by Ahmed Alshimy at 1 site in Egypt.
Trial summary
Improvement in pain and range of motion (ROM) outcomes for stroke cases suffering from complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) can be attained through Electro-acupuncture therapy, which in turn improve functional independence and reduces financial strain on both patients and their families. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 45 years and older
- Conditions the study is for
- Stroke
- What is being tested?
- Electroacupuncture and Conventional physical therapy program
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 40 participants
- Where
- 1 siteEgypt
- Study dates
- 5 Jan 2026to 24 Aug 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 45 years and older
- All sexes
- No healthy volunteers
- Adult, Older adult
Who may be able to join
- The patients were diagnosed clinically and referred from a neurologist
- The study included cases who were 45 years old or more
- Ischemic stroke at least six months following the stroke, were receiving treatment at the outpatient clinic, and demonstrated satisfactory cognitive function (Montreal Cognitive Assessment score of more than 26), spasticity of the limbs ranging from grade 1+ (2) on a modified Ashworth scale, and a confirmed diagnosis of CRPS by clinical assessment by a neurologist using the Budapest criteria for diagnosis of CRPS.
- Unilateral upper-limb or shoulder pain persisting for at least four weeks and up to six months following the onset of stroke. Pain intensity rated ≥ 4/10 on the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) at rest or with active/passive shoulder movement.
Who cannot join
- Patients with current history of hand troubles and shoulder dysfunction before developing a stroke.
- Patients with overactive sympathetic system from other causes e.g. congestive heart failure, impaired kidney functions.
- Patients with significant musculoskeletal disorders which include rheumatoid arthritis or metabolic disorders comprising diabetes, Patients with cognitive impairments, Visual, auditory and speech problems and Patients with psychiatric disorders or seizures.
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country.
About this study
Improvement in pain and range of motion (ROM) outcomes for stroke cases suffering from complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) can be attained through Electro-acupuncture therapy, which in turn improve functional independence and reduces financial strain on both patients and their families.
Read the detailed description
Group A received three sessions weekly of selected physical therapy program and electroacupuncture therapy, while Group B received the same selected physical therapy program alone. The Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) was used to assess pain, the Kinovea-based measurement was used to evaluate shoulder flexion ROM; and the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand questionnaire (DASH)-Arabic version was used to assess functional independence.
- Conditions
- Stroke
- Being tested
- Electroacupuncture, Conventional physical therapy program
- Keywords
- Stroke, Complex Regional Pain Syndrome, Electro-acupuncture
- Medical subject headings
- Stroke, Complex Regional Pain Syndromes
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
ElectroacupunctureOther
Sterile, single-use stainless-steel acupuncture needles (0.25 × 30 mm) were inserted at six acupoints on the affected side: TE14., SI9., and GB21(shoulder region); LI11 and TE5 (elbow and forearm); and TE2 (dorsum of the hand)
Conventional physical therapy programOther
(1) passive and active-assisted range of motion exercises (5-10 repetitions per movement, 10-15 second holds) (2) desensitization techniques using graded textures (cotton, sponge, Velcro, toothbrush), progressing from light touch to deep pressure, combined with contrast baths (3) therapeutic exercises, beginning with isometric strengthening and progressing to isotonic exercises as tolerated, followed by functional task-based activities targeting coordination and strength; (4) a structured stress-loading program involving active movement and joint compression, including quadruped scrubbing with the affected hand (5) heat therapy using hot packs for pain relief and (6) graded motor imagery, progressing through laterality training, explicit motor imagery, and mirror visual feedback. Each session began with a 5-minute warm-up and ended with a 5-minute cool-down.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Group A | Experimental | Consisted of 20 patients who received a selected physical therapy program and electroacupuncture. The treatment was conducted for four weeks, three sessions weekly for 12 sessions Receives: Other: Electroacupuncture; Other: Conventional physical therapy program |
| Group B | Experimental | Consisted of 20 cases who received the same selected physical therapy program only, for four weeks, three sessions weekly for 12 sessions. Receives: Other: Conventional physical therapy program |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Visual analogue scale
Subjective pain assessment
Measured: 4 weeks
Kinovea-based measurement for shoulder flexion
Shoulder flexion range of motion (ROM) assessment was conducted using Kinovea-2020 software following a standardized protocol
Measured: 4 weeks
Arabic version of DASH questionnaire
Designed to quantify functional limitations and symptoms affecting the arm, shoulder, and hand region
Measured: 4 weeks
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted9 Oct 2026
- Study start5 Jan 2026
- Primary completion12 Jul 2026
- Study completion24 Aug 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
- Factorial
- Masking
- Double blind
- Who is masked
- Participant, Investigator
- Enrolment
- 40 participants (actual)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Ahmed Alshimy
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Sponsor-investigator, Ahmed Alshimy, AlRyada University for Science & Technology
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07869667
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- P.T.REC/012/006119
- Status last verified
- Oct 2025
- First submitted
- 6 Oct 2026
- Last updated
- 9 Oct 2026
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- No
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 9 Oct 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- NEURO-MODULATORY EFFECT OF ELECTRO-ACUPUNCTURE ON COMPLEX REGIONAL PAIN SYNDROME IN POST STROKE PATIENTS
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07869667
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- P.T.REC/012/006119
- Conditions
- Stroke
- Keywords
- Stroke, Complex Regional Pain Syndrome, Electro-acupuncture
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Completed
- Enrolment
- 40 participants (actual)
- Lead sponsor
- Ahmed AlshimyUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 5 Jan 2026 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 12 Jul 2026 (actual)
- Study completion
- 24 Aug 2026 (actual)
- First posted
- 9 Oct 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.
Improvement in pain and range of motion (ROM) outcomes for stroke cases suffering from complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) can be attained through Electro-acupuncture therapy, which in turn improve functional independence and reduces financial strain on both patients and their families.
Detailed description
Group A received three sessions weekly of selected physical therapy program and electroacupuncture therapy, while Group B received the same selected physical therapy program alone. The Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) was used to assess pain, the Kinovea-based measurement was used to evaluate shoulder flexion ROM; and the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand questionnaire (DASH)-Arabic version was used to assess functional independence.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Factorial
- Masking
- Double blind (participant, investigator)
- Number of arms
- 2
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Group A | Experimental | Other: Electroacupuncture, Other: Conventional physical therapy programConsisted of 20 patients who received a selected physical therapy program and electroacupuncture. The treatment was conducted for four weeks, three sessions weekly for 12 sessions |
| Group B | Experimental | Other: Conventional physical therapy programConsisted of 20 cases who received the same selected physical therapy program only, for four weeks, three sessions weekly for 12 sessions. |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 45 years and older
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Not accepted
- Age groups
- Adult, Older adult
Key inclusion criteria (4 listed)
- The patients were diagnosed clinically and referred from a neurologist
- The study included cases who were 45 years old or more
- Ischemic stroke at least six months following the stroke, were receiving treatment at the outpatient clinic, and demonstrated satisfactory cognitive function (Montreal Cognitive Assessment score of more than 26), spasticity of the limbs ranging from grade 1+ (2) on a modified Ashworth scale, and a confirmed diagnosis of CRPS by clinical assessment by a neurologist using the Budapest criteria for diagnosis of CRPS.
- Unilateral upper-limb or shoulder pain persisting for at least four weeks and up to six months following the onset of stroke. Pain intensity rated ≥ 4/10 on the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) at rest or with active/passive shoulder movement.
Key exclusion criteria (3 listed)
- Patients with current history of hand troubles and shoulder dysfunction before developing a stroke.
- Patients with overactive sympathetic system from other causes e.g. congestive heart failure, impaired kidney functions.
- Patients with significant musculoskeletal disorders which include rheumatoid arthritis or metabolic disorders comprising diabetes, Patients with cognitive impairments, Visual, auditory and speech problems and Patients with psychiatric disorders or seizures.
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 |
|---|---|---|
| ElectroacupunctureSterile, single-use stainless-steel acupuncture needles (0.25 × 30 mm) were inserted at six acupoints on the affected side: TE14., SI9., and GB21(shoulder region); LI11 and TE5 (elbow and forearm); and TE2 (dorsum of the hand) | Other | Group A |
| Conventional physical therapy program(1) passive and active-assisted range of motion exercises (5-10 repetitions per movement, 10-15 second holds) (2) desensitization techniques using graded textures (cotton, sponge, Velcro, toothbrush), progressing from light touch to deep pressure, combined with contrast baths (3) therapeutic exercises, beginning with isometric strengthening and progressing to isotonic exercises as tolerated, followed by functional task-based activities targeting coordination and strength; (4) a structured stress-loading program involving active movement and joint compression, including quadruped scrubbing with the affected hand (5) heat therapy using hot packs for pain relief and (6) graded motor imagery, progressing through laterality training, explicit motor imagery, and mirror visual feedback. Each session began with a 5-minute warm-up and ended with a 5-minute cool-down. | Other | Group A, Group B |
Primary outcome
Visual analogue scale
Time frame: 4 weeks
Subjective pain assessment
Kinovea-based measurement for shoulder flexion
Time frame: 4 weeks
Shoulder flexion range of motion (ROM) assessment was conducted using Kinovea-2020 software following a standardized protocol
Arabic version of DASH questionnaire
Time frame: 4 weeks
Designed to quantify functional limitations and symptoms affecting the arm, shoulder, and hand region
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 9 Oct 2026.
- 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. This study is not recruiting at the moment.
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 Electroacupuncture and Conventional physical therapy program in people with Stroke, run by Ahmed Alshimy at 1 site in Egypt.
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 3 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 9 Oct 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 Egypt. 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?
Visual analogue scale (time frame: 4 weeks). 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?
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 9 Oct 2026.