Comparative Effects of Sensory Augmentation and Neuromodulation on Enhancing Motor Recovery Among Stroke Survivors

Status: Recruiting
Location: See all (2) locations...
Intervention Type: Other
Study Type: Interventional
Study Phase: Not Applicable
SUMMARY

This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of two rehabilitation techniques-Sensory Augmentation (using mirror therapy) and Neuromodulation (using transcranial direct current stimulation, tDCS)-in improving motor recovery among stroke survivors. Stroke often results in long-term impairments, particularly in upper limb motor function, which is critical for daily activities. Although current rehabilitation strategies help, more effective solutions are needed to enhance recovery. Participants, aged 45-65 with chronic stroke and upper extremity impairments, will be randomized into three groups: Group 1 will receive a combination of sensory augmentation (mirror therapy) and neuromodulation (tDCS) with routine physical therapy; Group 2 will receive sensory augmentation (mirror therapy) with routine physical therapy; and Group 3 will receive neuromodulation (tDCS) with routine physical therapy. The interventions will take place four times a week for 8 weeks, and participants will undergo motor function assessments, including the Fugl-Meyer Assessment and Jebsen-Taylor Test, before and after the intervention. The study will compare the effects of each intervention on motor recovery, specifically focusing on upper limb function and motor control. The findings could lead to improved rehabilitation protocols, offering stroke survivors better therapeutic options and enhancing their quality of life.

Eligibility
Participation Requirements
Sex: All
Minimum Age: 45
Maximum Age: 56
Healthy Volunteers: f
View:

• Age: 45-65

• Gender: both male and female

• Ischemic stroke

• Diagnosed cases of middle cerebral artery stroke by neurologist

• Stage of recovery - Chronic (more than 6 months)

• Burnstromm recovery stage 3

• Good Compliance

Locations
Other Locations
Pakistan
Lahore University of Biological and Applied Sciences
NOT_YET_RECRUITING
Lahore
Pakistan Society of Rehabilitation and Differently Abled Hospital
RECRUITING
Lahore
Contact Information
Primary
Syed Asad Ali, Doctor of Physical Therapy
thisisasadali01@gmail.com
+923224739971
Backup
Nabeela Dawood, NMPT
nabeela.dawood@ubas.edu.pk
+923315337445
Time Frame
Start Date: 2025-11-25
Estimated Completion Date: 2026-05-30
Participants
Target number of participants: 36
Treatments
Experimental: Group 1 (combination of Multisensory Augmentation and Neuromodulation with Routine Physical Therapy)
Group 1 will receive a combination of Multisensory Augmentation (Mirror Therapy) and Neuromodulation (Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation - tDCS) along with Routine Physical Therapy. The interventions will be administered four times a week over an 8-week period. The multisensory augmentation component will involve Mirror Therapy, where participants will perform motor tasks with their unaffected arm while observing its reflection in a mirror placed in front of them, simulating movement of the affected arm. This therapy enhances sensory feedback and promotes neuroplasticity.~The neuromodulation component will involve tDCS, where a low electrical current will be applied to the motor cortex to modulate cortical excitability and promote neuroplastic changes, supporting motor relearning and reducing spasticity. Each session will consist of 15 minutes of Mirror Therapy and 15 minutes of tDCS stimulation, followed by Routine Physical Therapy, which includes task-oriented training and refl
Experimental: Group 2 (only sensory augmentation and Routine Physical Therapy)
Group 2 will receive Sensory Augmentation (Mirror Therapy) in combination with Routine Physical Therapy. The interventions will be administered four times a week over an 8-week period. Mirror Therapy will involve participants performing motor tasks with their unaffected arm while observing its reflection in a mirror placed in front of them, creating the illusion of movement in the affected arm. This technique enhances sensory feedback and promotes neuroplasticity, which is critical for motor recovery in stroke survivors.~In addition to Mirror Therapy, participants will also undergo Routine Physical Therapy for 20 minutes per session. The physical therapy will include task-oriented training and reflex inhibitory exercises designed to improve motor control, strength, and coordination. Each session will last 45 minutes, with 25 minutes dedicated to the sensory augmentation intervention and physical therapy combined. This arm aims to assess the effects of sensory augmentation alone on mot
Experimental: Group 3 (neuromodulation only and Routine Physical Therapy)
Group 3 will receive Neuromodulation (Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation - tDCS) in combination with Routine Physical Therapy. The interventions will be administered four times a week over an 8-week period. tDCS involves the application of a low electrical current to the motor cortex, modulating cortical excitability to promote neuroplasticity and support motor relearning while reducing spasticity. The tDCS session will last 20 minutes, with a 5-minute break during the session.~In addition to tDCS, participants will also undergo Routine Physical Therapy for 20 minutes per session. The physical therapy will include task-oriented training and reflex inhibitory exercises designed to enhance motor control, strength, and functional movement. Each session will last 45 minutes, with 20 minutes dedicated to tDCS and 20 minutes to physical therapy. This arm will evaluate the impact of neuromodulation alone on motor recovery when combined with traditional physical rehabilitation techniques
Sponsors
Leads: Lahore University of Biological and Applied Sciences

This content was sourced from clinicaltrials.gov