Electrical Stimulation With Task Training for Arm Recovery After Stroke
Tests electrical stimulation plus task training for arm recovery in stroke survivors with spasticity.
Plain-language title generated from the registry record
Registry title: ESTIM-UL: FES for Upper Limb Recovery After Stroke
Key facts
- Where
- Foggia, ItalySee the site
Could this be for you?
Answer for yourself. This is not a decision: only the study team can say whether you can take part.
- Are you between 18 and 80 years old?
Source: NCT07513714, who can take part
Where in Italy
- Università degli Studi di FoggiaFoggia, ItalyTaking 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 Foggia
- Trial code
- NCT07513714
- Record updated
- 22 September 2026
- Original description
Stroke is a leading cause of long-term disability, frequently resulting in impaired upper limb motor function and spasticity. Although Botulinum Toxin Type A (BoNT-A) is effective in reducing focal spasticity, functional recovery of the upper limb often remains limited without intensive, task-specific rehabilitation. Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES), when synchronized with voluntary movement during Task-Oriented Training, may enhance motor recovery by facilitating muscle activation and neuroplasticity. This randomized controlled trial aims to evaluate whether FES combined with Task-Oriented Training is superior to conventional Task-Oriented Training alone in improving upper limb function in post-stroke patients treated with BoNT-A.Read full original descriptionShow less
Efficacy of Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES) Combined With Task- Oriented Training on Upper Limb Recovery in Post-Stroke Patients With Spastic Hemiparesis: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Stroke is a leading cause of long-term disability, frequently resulting in impaired upper limb motor function and spasticity. Although Botulinum Toxin Type A (BoNT-A) is effective in reducing focal spasticity, functional recovery of the upper limb often remains limited without intensive, task-specific rehabilitation. Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES), when synchronized with voluntary movement during Task-Oriented Training, may enhance motor recovery by facilitating muscle activation and neuroplasticity. This randomized controlled trial aims to evaluate whether FES combined with Task-Oriented Training is superior to conventional Task-Oriented Training alone in improving upper limb function in post-stroke patients treated with BoNT-A.
Inclusion: Age 18 years or older; Diagnosis of ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke, documented by CT or MRI; Clinical presence of focal upper limb spasticity, defined as a score ≥ 1+ on the Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS) in at least one target muscle group (elbow, wrist, or finger flexors), treated with Botulinum Toxin Type A injection; Presence of residual voluntary muscle activation (minimal active movement) sufficient to initiate the motor task required by the training (Box and Block score ≥ 1); Preserved cognitive function, defined as a Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) score ≥ 24 or clinical judgment confirming adequate comprehension and cooperation.
Exclusion: Concomitant orthopedic or rheumatologic conditions affecting the upper limb (e.g., recent fractures, severe arthritis) that could interfere with treatment delivery or outcome assessment; Absolute contraindications to Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES), including the presence of a cardiac pacemaker or implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD), pharmacologically uncontrolled epilepsy, or skin lesions/dermatitis at the electrode application sites; Severe cognitive impairment, global aphasia, or severe unilateral spatial neglect that prevents task comprehension or active participation in the training program; Presence of severe muscle-tendon contractures or fixed joint deformities (ankylosis) that mechanically limit passive movement and make active functional recovery unlikely.