Electrical Stimulation Trial for Face Weakness After Stroke
Tests electrical muscle stimulation with usual care in adults with stroke-related facial weakness.
Plain-language title generated from the registry record
Registry title: Effect of Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation on Unilateral Central Facial Palsy
Key facts
- Where
- Hammel, DenmarkSee the site
Where in Denmark
- Hammel neurorehabilitation centre and university research clinicHammel, DenmarkTaking people
Questions to ask the study team
- How often do I need to come in, and for how long each time?
- Are travel costs paid?
- Can I keep my own doctor?
- What happens if I want to stop?
Trial details
- Who runs it
- University of Aarhus
- Trial code
- NCT07325604
- Record updated
- 9 March 2026
- Original description
Background Central facial palsy (CFP) is a common condition in stroke, with an estimated prevalence of 45%. CFP can lead to facial asymmetry, problems with mouth closure and food processing, bite marks on the cheek, social isolation, and reduced quality of life. CFP is seen as an important area of rehabilitation, and training is therefore often carried out to reduce the consequences of CFP. In a recent systematic review conducted by the principal investigator, the results showed that very few studies have been conducted that have investigated the effect of training for CFP, and there is currently no scientific evidence to support the effect of the various training interventions.Read full original descriptionShow less
Effect of Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation on Unilaterial Central Facial Palsy: An Assesorblinded Randomized Controlled Trial
Background Central facial palsy (CFP) is a common condition in stroke, with an estimated prevalence of 45%. CFP can lead to facial asymmetry, problems with mouth closure and food processing, bite marks on the cheek, social isolation, and reduced quality of life. CFP is seen as an important area of rehabilitation, and training is therefore often carried out to reduce the consequences of CFP. In a recent systematic review conducted by the principal investigator, the results showed that very few studies have been conducted that have investigated the effect of training for CFP, and there is currently no scientific evidence to support the effect of the various training interventions.
Objective To investigate the effect of Neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) on facial symmetry compared to usual practice, in participants with CFP as a result of stroke.
Hypothesis: Participants who receive training with NMES together with usual training for facial paralysis have greater improvement in facial symmetry than participants who only receive usual training for facial paralysis.
Trial design Randomized controlled trial (RCT) with a nested pilot trial. A pilot trial/RCT will be conducted in order to power calculation in an RCT. The protocol for the pilot trial and RCT will be the same, and participants from the pilot trial and their outcome data are thus expected to be included in the RCT.
Inclusion: Central facial palsy; First time stroke; >=18 years; Able to provide written consent.
Exclusion: Not able to cooperate for mimical exercises; Contraindications for NMES; Admitted for three weeks assessment stay at the hospital.