Comparing Two Therapies Using Electrical Stimulation to Improve Wrist Spasticity and Hand Function in Adults with Chronic Stroke

What this Trial Is About

Stroke often leads to long-term disability, particularly affecting upper limb movement and hand function in the chronic phase, which impacts daily independence and quality of life. This trial compares two rehabilitation approaches, Constraint-Induced Movement Therapy CIMT combined with Functional Electrical Stimulation FES and Bilateral Training BT combined with FES, to evaluate their effects on wrist spasticity and hand function in patients with chronic stroke. The study is a single-blinded randomized controlled trial involving 94 participants. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of two groups. Group A will receive CIMT with FES, where the non-affected arm is restrained to encourage use of the affected arm during task-based activities, with electrical stimulation applied to improve muscle activation and reduce spasticity. Group B will receive Bilateral Training with FES, involving simultaneous use of both arms in symmetrical functional tasks with the same electrical stimulation parameters. Both groups will have therapy sessions three times per week for eight weeks. Throughout the study, participants will be assessed at the start and after eight weeks for wrist spasticity using the Modified Ashworth Scale and for upper limb motor function using the Fugl-Meyer Assessment and the Chedoke Arm and Hand Activity Inventory. The trial aims to provide evidence to help clinicians choose the best rehabilitation strategy for improving hand function and reducing spasticity in chronic stroke patients. Participation will last for the eight-week intervention period with evaluations before and after treatment.

Constraint Induced Movement Therapy and Bilateral Training in Chronic Stroke