Two Physical Therapy Methods for Arm Recovery After Stroke
Compares two exercise approaches for weak arms in people recovering from stroke.
Plain-language title generated from the registry record
Registry title: Rhythmic Initiation vs Isometric Training for Arm Recovery After Stroke
Key facts
- Where
- Faisalābad, PakistanSee the site
AI summary: who the study is looking for
From the trial's eligibility criteria. Machine-read from the registry text on this page, so it can be wrong. The registry text below and the trial team decide who can take part.
The trial is looking for adults aged 40 to 60 who are 1 to 6 months past a first stroke and have weakness in one arm.
- Age
- 40 to 60 years
- Sex
- Women and men can both join.
- Disease stage
- Stroke 1 to 6 months ago (subacute stage), with weakness on one side affecting the arm.
Main reasons for not taking part
- Severe spasticity (Modified Ashworth Scale score above 3)
- A repeat stroke or a stroke on both sides
- Shoulder subluxation
- Shoulder or arm pain that limits active movement
- Thinking or perception problems that make it hard to follow instructions
Read by machine on 13 November 2026.
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 40 and 60 years old?
Source: NCT07598435, who can take part
Where in Pakistan
- The University of FaisalabadFaisalābad, PakistanContact: Dr Anbreena Rasool, Doctor of Physical TherapyTaking 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?
Contact the study team: see the registry record → Contacts and Locations
Print a page for my doctorTrial details
- Who runs it
- University of Faisalabad
- Trial code
- NCT07598435
- Record updated
- 3 June 2026
- Original description
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.Read full original descriptionShow less
Comparative Effects of Rhythmic Initiation and Isometric Resistance Training on Upper Limb Motor Function, Strength, and Coordination in Subacute Stroke Patients
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.
Inclusion: 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.
Exclusion: Recurrent or bilateral stroke; Other neurological disorder affecting upper limb (e.g., Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis); Orthopedic condition affecting upper limb function; 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.