Sub-acute StrokeNCT07905716
Comparative Effects of Sensorimotor Training and tACS on Upper Limb Function and Cervical Proprioception in Subacute Stroke
A study testing sensorimotor training with TACS in people with Sub-acute Stroke, run by University of Management and Technology Lahore at 1 site in Pakistan.
Trial summary
Stroke is leading cause of death and disability worldwide, resulting in significant functional limitations and disabilities experienced by stroke survivors. Stroke is an umbrella term that includes disorders such as cerebral infarction, cerebral hemorrhage, and subarachnoid hemorrhage.The aim of this study will be to… Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 45 to 60 years
- Conditions the study is for
- Sub-acute Stroke
- What is being tested?
- sensorimotor training with TACS
- Could I receive a placebo?
- Yes, some participants may receive a placebo
- How many people
- 38 participants
- Where
- 1 sitePakistan
- Study dates
- 22 Oct 2026to 31 Dec 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 45 to 60 years
- All sexes
- No healthy volunteers
- Adult
Who may be able to join
- Patients aged 45-60 years old both genders first-ever stroke (ischemic or hemorrhagic) confirmed by CT scan or MRI subacute stage of stroke (1-6 months post stroke) Mini mental state examination (MMSE) score >24 Spasticity less than 2 by modified Ashworth scale (4) National institute of health stroke scale (NIHSS) arm score should be >1 Not receiving any other form of physiotherapy for upper limb (5) Able to follow verbal instructions
Who cannot join
- Patients will be excluded if they will present with history of seizures or epilepsy presence of implants in the body use of a pacemaker Skin lesions or infection at electrode placement sites Unstable cardiovascular condition
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country.
Pakistan1 site
University of Management & Technology
Lahore, Punjab Province, 54000
About this study
Official title: Comparative Effects of Sensorimotor Training and Transcranial Alternating Current Stimulation on Upper Extremity Functions, Sensorimotor Impairment and Cervical Joint Position Sense in Subacute Stroke Patients.
Stroke is leading cause of death and disability worldwide, resulting in significant functional limitations and disabilities experienced by stroke survivors. Stroke is an umbrella term that includes disorders such as cerebral infarction, cerebral hemorrhage, and subarachnoid hemorrhage.The aim of this study will be to compare the effects of sensorimotor training and transcranial alternating current stimulation on upper extremity functions, sensorimotor impairment and cervical joint position sense in sub-acute stroke patients.
A single blinded randomized clinical trial will be used. Allocation will be concealed by sealed envelope. Non- probability convenient sampling will be done. On the basis of inclusion criteria participants will be randomly allocate in two groups (Group A and Group B) by using computer-generated software. Group A will receive sensorimotor training for 40 mins and TACS for 20 minutes at 2mA current, for 5 days/week for 4 weeks. Group B will receive sensorimotor training for 40 minutes and sham TACS for 20 minutes per session , for 5 days/week for 4 weeks . Measurements will be taken at baseline and at 4th week. Data will be collected using Fugyl meyer assessment scale, cervical joint position error test and revised Nottingham sensory assessment scale. Data analysis will be done by SPSS software version 27. The statistical software IBM SPSS Statistics SPSS 27 will be used for calculations. After assessing the normality by Shapiro-wilk test, if the p value is greater than 0.05 the data will be distributed normally, so parametric test will be applied. If p value is less than 0.05 than non-parametric test will be applied.
- Conditions
- Sub-acute Stroke
- Being tested
- sensorimotor training with TACS, sensorimotor training with Sham TACS
- Keywords
- Sensorimotor training, sensorimotor impairment, cervical joint position, transcranial Alternating current stimulation, stroke
- Medical subject headings
- Stroke
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
sensorimotor training with TACSOther
Group A will receive sensorimotor training for 40 mins and TACS for 20 minutes at 2mA current, for 5 days/week for 4 weeks. Measurements of all the outcome measures will be taken at baseline and at 4th week. Sensorimotor training tasks include texture discrimination, light touch, temperature, pinprick, pressure, Bilateral simultaneous touch, proprioception and task related to stereognosis. tACS will be administered 5 days per week for 4 weeks. After screening exclusion criteria, 25-35 cm² sponge electrodes will be positioned over the affected hemisphere's primary motor cortex (M1; C3/C4) and the contralateral supraorbital area using the 10-20 EEG system. Scalp landmarks will be measured, marked, and cleaned, and hair will be parted to ensure proper electrode contact. Saline-soaked sponge pads or conductive gel will be used, and the electrodes will be secured and connected to the stimulator.
sensorimotor training with Sham TACSOther
. Sensorimotor training tasks include texture discrimination, light touch, temperature, pinprick, pressure, Bilateral simultaneous touch, proprioception and task related to stereognosis. sensorimotor training for 40 minutes and sham TACS for 20 minutes per session , for 5 days/week for 4 weeks
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| sensorimotor training with TACS | Experimental | Group A will receive sensorimotor training for 40 mins and TACS for 20 minutes at 2mA current, for 5 days/week for 4 weeks. Measurements of all the outcome measures will be taken at baseline and at 4th week. Sensorimotor training tasks include texture discrimination, light touch, temperature, pinprick, pressure, Bilateral simultaneous touch, proprioception and task related to stereognosis.
tACS will be administered 5 days per week for 4 weeks. After screening exclusion criteria, 25-35 cm² sponge electrodes will be positioned over the affected hemisphere's primary motor cortex (M1; C3/C4) and the contralateral supraorbital area using the 10-20 EEG system. Scalp landmarks will be measured, marked, and cleaned, and hair will be parted to ensure proper electrode contact. Saline-soaked sponge pads or conductive gel will be used, and the electrodes will be secured and connected to the stimulator. Stimulation will be delivered at 2 mA and 10 Hz for 20 minutes, with gradual ramp-up and ramp- Receives: Other: sensorimotor training with TACS |
| sensorimotor training with Sham TACS | Active comparator | tACS will be administered 5 days per week for 4 weeks. After screening exclusion criteria, 25-35 cm² sponge electrodes will be positioned over the affected hemisphere's primary motor cortex (M1; C3/C4) and the contralateral supraorbital area using the 10-20 EEG system. Scalp landmarks will be measured, marked, and cleaned, and hair will be parted to ensure proper electrode contact. Saline-soaked sponge pads or conductive gel will be used, and the electrodes will be secured and connected to the stimulator. Stimulation will be delivered at 2 mA and 10 Hz for 20 minutes, with gradual ramp-up and ramp-down over 15-30 seconds to minimize discomfort Receives: Other: sensorimotor training with Sham TACS |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
joint position sense through Cervical joint position test
The Cervical Joint Position Error (JPE) Test is a measurement tool used to clinically assess an individual's cervicocephalic proprioception ability. The patient sits 90 cm from a wall-mounted target and wears a headband with a laser pointer. After recording the neutral starting position, the patient closes their eyes, moves their head in rotation (left/right), flexion, or extension, and returns to the starting position. The test is repeated three times in each direction, and the average repositioning error is calculated. A repositioning error greater than 4.5° (approximately 7 cm) indicates impaired cervical proprioception.
Measured: at base line and after 4 weeks
somatosensory impairment through Revised Nottingham Sensory Assessment Scale
The rNSA examines somatosensory impairment using a 3-point scale (0 =absent, 1 = impaired, 2 = normal) and takes approximately 25-35 min to complete. It consists of 72 items and is grouped into three sub-scales. Tactile Sensation 54 Points < 54 Points indicates a deficit ,Kinesthesia 12 Point < 12 Points indicates a deficit., Stereognosis 22 Points < 19 Points indicates impairment.
Measured: at base line and after 4 weeks
Fugyl-Meyer Assessment for upper extremity (FMA-UE)
Fugyl-Meyer Assessment (FMA) scale is an index to assess sensorimotor impairments who have had stroke. The Fugyl-Meyer Assessment for upper extremity (FMA-UE) has been tested extensively, and is found to have excellent psychometric properties. For upper extremity assessment, Rating is from 0-50 with 0-25 points showing severe impairment and 26-50 points showing moderate impairment.
Measured: at base line and after 4 weeks
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted29 Oct 2026
- Study start22 Oct 2026
- Primary completion31 Dec 2026 (estimated)
- Study completion31 Dec 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 Sub-acute 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
- 38 participants (actual)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- University of Management and Technology Lahore
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Principal investigator, Zainab Hassan, University of Management and Technology Lahore
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07905716
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- RE-202-2026
- Status last verified
- Oct 2026
- First submitted
- 23 Oct 2026
- Last updated
- 29 Oct 2026
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- Yes
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- Yes: The results data collected , de-identified individual participant data will be shared.
Publications
Li C, Chen Y, Tu S, Lin J, Lin Y, Xu S, Wu M, Xie Y, Jia J. Dual-tDCS combined with sensorimotor training promotes upper limb function in subacute stroke patients: A randomized, double-blinded, sham-controlled study. CNS Neurosci Ther. 2024 Apr;30(4):e14530. doi: 10.1111/cns.14530. Epub 2023 Nov 23.
PubMed 37994674
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 29 Oct 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Comparative Effects of Sensorimotor Training and Transcranial Alternating Current Stimulation on Upper Extremity Functions, Sensorimotor Impairment and Cervical Joint Position Sense in Subacute Stroke Patients.
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07905716
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- RE-202-2026
- Conditions
- Sub-acute Stroke
- Keywords
- Sensorimotor training, sensorimotor impairment, cervical joint position, transcranial Alternating current stimulation, stroke
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Active, not recruiting
- Enrolment
- 38 participants (actual)
- Lead sponsor
- University of Management and Technology LahoreUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 22 Oct 2026 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 31 Dec 2026 (estimated)
- Study completion
- 31 Dec 2026 (estimated)
- First posted
- 29 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.
Stroke is leading cause of death and disability worldwide, resulting in significant functional limitations and disabilities experienced by stroke survivors. Stroke is an umbrella term that includes disorders such as cerebral infarction, cerebral hemorrhage, and subarachnoid hemorrhage.The aim of this study will be to compare the effects of sensorimotor training and transcranial alternating current stimulation on upper extremity functions, sensorimotor impairment and cervical joint position sense in sub-acute stroke patients.
A single blinded randomized clinical trial will be used. Allocation will be concealed by sealed envelope. Non- probability convenient sampling will be done. On the basis of inclusion criteria participants will be randomly allocate in two groups (Group A and Group B) by using computer-generated software. Group A will receive sensorimotor training for 40 mins and TACS for 20 minutes at 2mA current, for 5 days/week for 4 weeks. Group B will receive sensorimotor training for 40 minutes and sham TACS for 20 minutes per session , for 5 days/week for 4 weeks . Measurements will be taken at baseline and at 4th week. Data will be collected using Fugyl meyer assessment scale, cervical joint position error test and revised Nottingham sensory assessment scale. Data analysis will be done by SPSS software version 27. The statistical software IBM SPSS Statistics SPSS 27 will be used for calculations. After assessing the normality by Shapiro-wilk test, if the p value is greater than 0.05 the data will be distributed normally, so parametric test will be applied. If p value is less than 0.05 than non-parametric test will be applied.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Single blind (outcomes assessor)
- Number of arms
- 2
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| sensorimotor training with TACS | Experimental | Other: sensorimotor training with TACSGroup A will receive sensorimotor training for 40 mins and TACS for 20 minutes at 2mA current, for 5 days/week for 4 weeks. Measurements of all the outcome measures will be taken at baseline and at 4th week. Sensorimotor training tasks include texture discrimination, light touch, temperature, pinprick, pressure, Bilateral simultaneous touch, proprioception and task related to stereognosis. tACS will be administered 5 days per week for 4 weeks. After screening exclusion criteria, 25-35 cm² sponge electrodes will be positioned over the affected hemisphere's primary motor cortex (M1; C3/C4) and the contralateral supraorbital area using the 10-20 EEG system. Scalp landmarks will be measured, marked, and cleaned, and hair will be parted to ensure proper electrode contact. Saline-soaked sponge pads or conductive gel will be used, and the electrodes will be secured and connected to the stimulator. Stimulation will be delivered at 2 mA and 10 Hz for 20 minutes, with gradual ramp-up and ramp- |
| sensorimotor training with Sham TACS | Active comparator | Other: sensorimotor training with Sham TACStACS will be administered 5 days per week for 4 weeks. After screening exclusion criteria, 25-35 cm² sponge electrodes will be positioned over the affected hemisphere's primary motor cortex (M1; C3/C4) and the contralateral supraorbital area using the 10-20 EEG system. Scalp landmarks will be measured, marked, and cleaned, and hair will be parted to ensure proper electrode contact. Saline-soaked sponge pads or conductive gel will be used, and the electrodes will be secured and connected to the stimulator. Stimulation will be delivered at 2 mA and 10 Hz for 20 minutes, with gradual ramp-up and ramp-down over 15-30 seconds to minimize discomfort |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 45 to 60 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Not accepted
- Age groups
- Adult
Key inclusion criteria (1 listed)
- Patients aged 45-60 years old both genders first-ever stroke (ischemic or hemorrhagic) confirmed by CT scan or MRI subacute stage of stroke (1-6 months post stroke) Mini mental state examination (MMSE) score >24 Spasticity less than 2 by modified Ashworth scale (4) National institute of health stroke scale (NIHSS) arm score should be >1 Not receiving any other form of physiotherapy for upper limb (5) Able to follow verbal instructions
Key exclusion criteria (1 listed)
- Patients will be excluded if they will present with history of seizures or epilepsy presence of implants in the body use of a pacemaker Skin lesions or infection at electrode placement sites Unstable cardiovascular condition
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 |
|---|---|---|
| sensorimotor training with TACSGroup A will receive sensorimotor training for 40 mins and TACS for 20 minutes at 2mA current, for 5 days/week for 4 weeks. Measurements of all the outcome measures will be taken at baseline and at 4th week. Sensorimotor training tasks include texture discrimination, light touch, temperature, pinprick, pressure, Bilateral simultaneous touch, proprioception and task related to stereognosis. tACS will be administered 5 days per week for 4 weeks. After screening exclusion criteria, 25-35 cm² sponge electrodes will be positioned over the affected hemisphere's primary motor cortex (M1; C3/C4) and the contralateral supraorbital area using the 10-20 EEG system. Scalp landmarks will be measured, marked, and cleaned, and hair will be parted to ensure proper electrode contact. Saline-soaked sponge pads or conductive gel will be used, and the electrodes will be secured and connected to the stimulator. | Other | sensorimotor training with TACS |
| sensorimotor training with Sham TACS. Sensorimotor training tasks include texture discrimination, light touch, temperature, pinprick, pressure, Bilateral simultaneous touch, proprioception and task related to stereognosis. sensorimotor training for 40 minutes and sham TACS for 20 minutes per session , for 5 days/week for 4 weeks | Other | sensorimotor training with Sham TACS |
Primary outcome
joint position sense through Cervical joint position test
Time frame: at base line and after 4 weeks
The Cervical Joint Position Error (JPE) Test is a measurement tool used to clinically assess an individual's cervicocephalic proprioception ability. The patient sits 90 cm from a wall-mounted target and wears a headband with a laser pointer. After recording the neutral starting position, the patient closes their eyes, moves their head in rotation (left/right), flexion, or extension, and returns to the starting position. The test is repeated three times in each direction, and the average repositioning error is calculated. A repositioning error greater than 4.5° (approximately 7 cm) indicates impaired cervical proprioception.
somatosensory impairment through Revised Nottingham Sensory Assessment Scale
Time frame: at base line and after 4 weeks
The rNSA examines somatosensory impairment using a 3-point scale (0 =absent, 1 = impaired, 2 = normal) and takes approximately 25-35 min to complete. It consists of 72 items and is grouped into three sub-scales. Tactile Sensation 54 Points < 54 Points indicates a deficit ,Kinesthesia 12 Point < 12 Points indicates a deficit., Stereognosis 22 Points < 19 Points indicates impairment.
Fugyl-Meyer Assessment for upper extremity (FMA-UE)
Time frame: at base line and after 4 weeks
Fugyl-Meyer Assessment (FMA) scale is an index to assess sensorimotor impairments who have had stroke. The Fugyl-Meyer Assessment for upper extremity (FMA-UE) has been tested extensively, and is found to have excellent psychometric properties. For upper extremity assessment, Rating is from 0-50 with 0-25 points showing severe impairment and 26-50 points showing moderate impairment.
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 29 Oct 2026.
- Background: PubMed 37994674Li C, Chen Y, Tu S, Lin J, Lin Y, Xu S, Wu M, Xie Y, Jia J. Dual-tDCS combined with sensorimotor training promotes upper limb function in subacute stroke patients: A randomized, double-blinded, sham-controlled study. CNS Neurosci Ther. 2024 Apr;30(4):e14530. doi: 10.1111/cns.14530. Epub 2023 Nov 23.
- Related InfoLink provided by the sponsor.
- Related InfoLink provided by the sponsor.
- Related InfoLink provided by the sponsor.
- Related InfoLink provided by the sponsor.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: Yes. The results data collected , de-identified individual participant data will be shared.
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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 sensorimotor training with TACS in people with Sub-acute Stroke, run by University of Management and Technology Lahore 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 1 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: under way, not looking for participants, as of the sponsor's last update on 29 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 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?
joint position sense through Cervical joint position test (time frame: at base line and after 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?
On the ClinicalTrials.gov record for NCT07905716, 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 29 Oct 2026.