Drawing Exercises Compared With Fine Motor Training for Hand Function After Stroke
Compares two hand exercise programs in people recovering from a recent stroke.
Plain-language title generated from the registry record
Registry title: Comparative Effects of Task-specific Drawing Exercises and Fine Motor Training on Dexterity and Hand Motor Function After Stroke
Key facts
- Where
- Islamabad, 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 70 years old?
Source: NCT07803016, who can take part
Where in Pakistan
- Foundation University College of Physical TherapyIslamabad, PakistanTaking 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
- Foundation University Islamabad
- Trial code
- NCT07803016
- Record updated
- 3 September 2026
- Original description
Stroke is a leading cause of long-term disability worldwide and frequently results in persistent upper limb impairment, particularly affecting hand dexterity and motor function. These impairments significantly restrict the performance of activities of daily living, reduce functional independence, and negatively affect quality of life.Read full original descriptionShow less
Comparative Effects of Task-specific Drawing Exercises and Fine Motor Training on Dexterity and Hand Motor Function After Stroke
Stroke is a leading cause of long-term disability worldwide and frequently results in persistent upper limb impairment, particularly affecting hand dexterity and motor function. These impairments significantly restrict the performance of activities of daily living, reduce functional independence, and negatively affect quality of life.
Task-oriented rehabilitation has become an important component of stroke management because it promotes motor relearning through repetitive practice of meaningful functional activities. Among these approaches, task-specific drawing exercises and fine motor hand training have demonstrated potential to improve upper limb function; however, evidence directly comparing their effectiveness remains limited.
This randomized controlled trial will compare the effects of task-specific drawing exercises and fine motor hand training on hand dexterity and hand motor function in individuals with subacute stroke. Twenty-six participants will be randomly allocated to one of two intervention groups. Both groups will receive conventional wrist and finger range-of-motion exercises before participating in their assigned intervention. Participants in the task-specific drawing exercise group will perform a progressively graded drawing program, whereas participants in the fine motor hand training group will complete a structured program of functional object-manipulation activities. Both interventions will be administered on alternate days for 30-45 minutes over a four-week period.
The primary outcome will be hand dexterity, and the secondary outcome will be hand motor function. Outcome assessments will be performed at baseline and following completion of the intervention period using standardized assessment tools.
The findings of this study are expected to provide comparative evidence regarding the effectiveness of task-specific drawing exercises and fine motor hand training for improving hand function after stroke. The results may contribute to evidence-based neurological rehabilitation and assist physiotherapists in selecting effective intervention strategies to enhance upper limb recovery, functional independence, and quality of life in individuals with subacute stroke.
Inclusion: Adults aged 40-70 years; Diagnosed with MCA ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke, confirmed by medical records; Sub-acute stroke patients and to perform minimal voluntary finger or wrist movement in the affected hand (_>30 pronation supination and wrist flexion); Ability to understand and follow simple verbal instructions; Able to sit without upper limb support.
Exclusion: History of Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, traumatic brain injury, or recurrent stroke; Aphasia, cognitive deficits; Modified Ashworth Scale >3 in the wrist or fingers of the affected hand; Fracture, arthritis, tendon injury, or deformity affecting the upper limb or hand; visuospatial neglect interfering with drawing tasks.