Roods vs PNF for Upper Limb Function in Acute MCA Stroke (NCT07616622) | Clinical Trial Compass
By InvitationNot Applicable
Roods vs PNF for Upper Limb Function in Acute MCA Stroke
Pakistan28 participantsStarted 2026-01-01
Plain-language summary
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.
Who can participate
Age range
40 Years – 60 Years
Sex
ALL
See this in plain English?
AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.
Inclusion Criteria:
* 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 Criteria:
* Severe coexisting medical disorders (heart, liver, kidney failure; malignant tumors)
* Fixed musculoskeletal abnormalities or contracture in affected upper limb
* 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
* Refusal or inability to give informed consent
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
1
Upper Limb Motor Function
Timeframe: Baseline and 8 weeks (post-intervention)