By InvitationNot Applicable

Comparative Effects of PNF (Rhythmic Stabilization With Stabilizing Reversal) and NDT (Facilitatory Techniques) on Trunk Control in Sub-Acute Stroke

Pakistan32 participantsStarted 2026-05-13

Plain-language summary

A stroke is a serious cerebrovascular accident defined as the sudden onset of a neurological deficit caused by vascular changes. Stroke are classified into primarily two types; ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke. In an ischemic stroke, there is an inadequate blood supply to the central nervous system, whereas a hemorrhagic stroke involves a blood vessel rupture and subsequent blood accumulation. Stroke is the fifth leading cause of death and primary cause of severe disability. In hemiplegic patient, trunk impairment is frequently present due to muscular weakness. Furthermore, it can lead to severe functional impairments and reduce a patient's quality of life. Severe complications will occur, if left untreated these complications can lead to functional dependency. Trunk muscular activity is delayed in stroke patient, muscles involved in reaching activity of upper limb activates earlier than the trunk muscles themselves. Trunk muscles play a unique role in maintaining upright posture during sitting, standing and they are important for stabilizing proximal body parts during voluntary limb movements. Patients with hemiparesis often struggle to move their trunk against gravity, regardless of the specific muscle activity required. Different treatment approaches are used to manage trunk stability in stroke patients with Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation and Neurodevelopmental Facilitatory Techniques being two of the most common techniques in neurorehabilitation. Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation technique (PNF) is a well- established approach used to improve functional movement through facilitation, strengthening and lengthening of muscle groups. Neurodevelopmental treatment focuses on the patient's active participation to improve motor control. The aim of this study is to compare the effects of PNF (Rhythmic Stabilization with Stabilizing Reversal) and NDT (Facilitatory Techniques) on trunk control in subacute stroke patients. Thirty- two participants having age 40-65years, hemiparesis, Middle Cerebral Artery Stroke will be included. Patients with recurrent stroke, impaired cognition, severe cerebellar ataxia, severe language deficit and severe musculoskeletal disorders will be excluded. Electrical stimulation will be given as a baseline treatment for 10-15 minutes on hemiparesis side. Group A will receive PNF facilitation along with the baseline 5 treatment. Group B will receive Neurodevelopmental facilitation techniques in addition to the baseline treatment. Specific clinical tools will be used to assess trunk mobility in stroke survivors. Trunk Impairment Scale (TIS) will be used to evaluate motor rearrangement and provide clinicians with information regarding the quality of trunk movements and stability. Modified Functional Reach Test (MFRT) is reliable test for stroke survivors with impaired trunk mobility. It will be used to evaluate the participants ability to maintain dynamic sitting balance. Data will be analyzed using SPSS (2023 version). Statistical test will be selected based on data normality. If the data will be normally distributed, independent and paired t- test will be applied. If data will be not normal, then Wilcoxon Signed Rank and Mann Whitney U test will be utilized.

Who can participate

Age range

40 Years – 65 Years

Sex

ALL

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AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.

Inclusion Criteria: * Both males and females will be eligible for this study. Patient diagnosed with an ischemic stroke involving the Middle Cerebral Artery resulting in hemiparesis will be included. Participants with significant trunk instability, defined by a score of less than 21 on the Trunk Impairment Scale will be included. Exclusion Criteria: Those presenting with recurrent stroke and severe cardiovascular instability will be excluded from the study. Patients with co-existing neurological disorders or severe cerebellar lesion will be excluded from the study. Individuals with significant cognitive deficit or language impairments that hinder the ability to follow simple instructions will be excluded from the study. Patients with severe pre-existing musculoskeletal pathologies will be excluded from the study. \-

Questions worth asking your doctor

Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.

1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?

Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.

Questions for the trial coordinator

The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.

1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?

A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.

What they're measuring

Trunk control

Timeframe: 8 weeks

Trial details

NCT IDNCT07598487

SponsorUniversity of Faisalabad

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeINTERVENTIONAL

Primary completion2026-06-11

View on ClinicalTrials.gov More Trunk Control in Stroke trials