Two Physical Therapy Methods for Arm Function After a Middle Cerebral Artery Stroke
Compares two physical therapy methods for arm function in people with recent stroke.
Plain-language title generated from the registry record
Registry title: Roods vs PNF for Upper Limb Function in Acute MCA Stroke
Key facts
- Where
- Faisalābad, PakistanSee 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 40 and 60 years old?
Source: NCT07616622, who can take part
Where in Pakistan
- The University of FaisalabadFaisalābad, PakistanNo longer taking part
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 Faisalabad
- Trial code
- NCT07616622
- Record updated
- 1 June 2026
- Original description
Middle cerebral artery (MCA) stroke often causes weakness or stiffness in the arm and hand, making daily activities difficult. This study compares two physical therapy approaches - Rood's facilitatory techniques (using touch, quick stretch, and ice to activate muscles) and PNF sequential patterns (using diagonal movement patterns) - to improve arm function in acute stroke patients. Both groups will also receive neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES). A total of 28 patients will be randomly assigned to one of two groups and receive treatment three times per week for eight weeks. Arm function will be measured using the Fugl-Meyer Assessment, and muscle stiffness will be measured using the Modified Ashworth Scale before and after treatment.Read full original descriptionShow less
Comparison Between Roods Facilitatory Techniques and Sequential PNF Pattern on Upper Limb Function in Acute Phase of Middle Cerebral Artery Stroke Patients
Middle cerebral artery (MCA) stroke often causes weakness or stiffness in the arm and hand, making daily activities difficult. This study compares two physical therapy approaches - Rood's facilitatory techniques (using touch, quick stretch, and ice to activate muscles) and PNF sequential patterns (using diagonal movement patterns) - to improve arm function in acute stroke patients. Both groups will also receive neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES). A total of 28 patients will be randomly assigned to one of two groups and receive treatment three times per week for eight weeks. Arm function will be measured using the Fugl-Meyer Assessment, and muscle stiffness will be measured using the Modified Ashworth Scale before and after treatment.
Inclusion: Adults (40-60 years) with confirmed MCA stroke (ischemic or hemorrhagic) on neuroimaging (CT or MRI); Mild to moderate upper limb motor dysfunction with MRC ≥2 for proximal limb motor strength; Cognitive competence to understand instructions (MoCA ≥19 or equivalent); First stroke, acute or subacute phase; Willingness to provide written informed consent; Both male and female genders.
Exclusion: Severe coexisting medical disorders (heart, liver, kidney failure; malignant tumors); Severe cognitive impairment or aphasia preventing adherence or consent (MMSE below threshold); Skin sores, ulcers, or hypersensitivity (e.g., to cold) contraindicated for sensory stimulation; Fixed musculoskeletal abnormalities or contracture in affected upper limb; Refusal or inability to give informed consent.