NCT07598435Recruiting
Rhythmic Initiation vs Isometric Training for Arm Recovery After Stroke
Comparative Effects of Rhythmic Initiation and Isometric Resistance Training on Upper Limb Motor Function, Strength, and Coordination in Subacute Stroke Patients
Source: ClinicalTrials.gov · Last updated 3 Jun 2026
Brief summary (registry, in English)
Stroke is a leading cause of long-term disability worldwide. Many stroke survivors experience persistent weakness, loss of motor control, and poor coordination in their upper limb, which limits their ability to perform daily activities and return to independent living. This study compares two physical therapy approaches for patients in the subacute stage of stroke recovery (1 to 6 months after stroke). The first approach is Rhythmic Initiation, a technique from Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF) that uses smooth, guided movement patterns progressing from passive to active movement. The second approach is Isometric Resistance Training, which involves holding static muscle contractions against resistance without moving the joint. The study will enroll 40 patients aged 40 to 60 years with unilateral upper limb weakness from a first-time stroke. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either Rhythmic Initiation or Isometric Resistance Training for 30 minutes per session, 5 days per week, for 4 weeks. The researchers will measure changes in motor function, muscle strength, coordination, and spasticity before and after the 4-week intervention. The results will help physiotherapists understand which approach is more effective for upper limb rehabilitation in subacute stroke patients.
- Status (registry)
- Recruiting
- Study type
- Interventional
- Enrollment
- 40 (estimated)
- First submitted
- 13 May 2026
- Start date
- 19 Jan 2026
- Primary completion date
- 19 May 2026
- Lead sponsor
- University of Faisalabad
- Diseases
- Stroke
- NCT number
- NCT07598435
What you commit to
- Study type: Interventional
- Planned participants: 40
- From 19 Jan 2026 to the primary completion date, 19 May 2026
- 1 site in 1 country
- Visits and tests: ask the trial team, the registry does not list them
Built from the registry fields of ClinicalTrials.gov. It describes the study, not your situation.
Who cannot take part
Copied verbatim from ClinicalTrials.gov and grouped by topic. Only the trial team decides who can take part.
Other illness
- Recurrent or bilateral stroke
- Other neurological disorder affecting upper limb (e.g., Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis)
- Orthopedic condition affecting upper limb function
Other
- Severe spasticity (Modified Ashworth Scale score \>3)
- Shoulder subluxation
- Shoulder or upper limb pain limiting active movement
- Cognitive or perceptual deficits impairing ability to follow instructions
Who the study is looking for
- Clinically diagnosed subacute stroke (1 to 6 months post-onset)
- Unilateral upper limb involvement
- Age 40 to 60 years
- Both genders
- Medically stable and able to participate in physical therapy
- Able to provide informed consent
Age in the registry: 40 years to 60 years · Sex: All · Does not accept healthy volunteers
Sites (1)
Sites in registry order. Pick your city on the disease page to sort them by distance.
| Site | City | Country | Site status |
|---|---|---|---|
| The University of Faisalabad Coordinator of this site? Confirm its status | Faisalābad | Pakistan | Recruiting |
This page is information, not medical advice. Discuss any trial with your doctor.