Comparison of Motor Relearning Program With and Without Electrical Muscle Stimulation for Upper Limb Recovery After Subacute Stroke

What this Trial Is About

Stroke is a major cause of long-term disability worldwide, often leading to upper limb motor impairment that reduces independence in daily activities. This study evaluates the effectiveness of combining the Motor Relearning Program MRP, a task-focused rehabilitation approach, with Electrical Muscle Stimulation EMS compared to MRP alone for improving upper limb function in individuals with subacute stroke. The trial is a single-blinded, randomized controlled study conducted at a single center. Participants are randomly assigned to two groups. Group A receives the Motor Relearning Program combined with Electrical Muscle Stimulation, where EMS is applied to specific upper limb muscles for 10 minutes during each 1-hour treatment session. Group B undergoes the same Motor Relearning Program without EMS. Both groups participate in task-oriented upper limb exercises five days a week for six weeks, with exercises progressively increasing in difficulty based on individual performance. Participants will be assessed before and after the 6-week treatment using validated measures including the Upper Extremity Fugl-Meyer Assessment, Modified Ashworth Scale, and the Motor Evaluation Scale for Upper Extremity in Stroke. These assessments evaluate motor recovery, muscle tone, and upper limb function. The study aims to determine whether adding EMS to the Motor Relearning Program offers greater improvements. The total participation time covers the 6-week intervention period with evaluations at baseline and study completion.

Comparison of Motor Relearning Program and Electric Muscle Stimulation in Subacute Stroke Patients