Effectiveness of Soft Robotic Glove Versus EMS on Hand Function and Quality of Life in Stroke Survivors (RCT)

Effectiveness of Soft Robotic Glove Versus EMS on Hand Function and Quality of Life in Stroke Survivors. A Randomized Clinical Trial

This study will evaluate the effectiveness of soft robotic gloves versus electrical muscle stimulation (EMS) in improving hand function and quality of life in stroke survivors. Stroke often leads to impaired hand mobility, impacting daily activities and reducing overall quality of life. Soft robotic gloves, designed to assist with hand movement, will provide mechanical support and encourage voluntary muscle activity. EMS, on the other hand, will stimulate muscle contraction through electrical impulses, potentially enhancing muscle strength and coordination.

Study Overview

• Status: Active, not recruiting
• Conditions: Stroke
• Intervention / Treatment: Diagnostic test: SRG; Diagnostic test: EMS

Detailed Description

Participants will be divided into two groups: one will receive treatment using soft robotic gloves, and the other with EMS. Outcomes will be assessed using standardized hand function tests and quality-of-life questionnaires over a specified period. Results are expected to indicate that both interventions will improve hand function and quality of life, with the robotic gloves showing a marginally greater improvement in dexterity and grip strength, while EMS will yield benefits in muscle reactivation and endurance. Stroke survivors in the robotic glove group are anticipated to report greater ease in performing daily tasks, while the EMS group will note an increase in muscle engagement.

• Study Type: Interventional
• Enrollment (Actual): 36
• Phase: Not Applicable

Contacts and Locations

Study Locations

• Pakistan
  • Punjab
    • Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan
      • Ahmad block garden town canal road

Participation Criteria

Eligibility Criteria

• Ages Eligible for Study: Adult; Older Adult
• Accepts Healthy Volunteers: No

Description

Inclusion Criteria:

• Had ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke ≤6 months.
• Mini-mental status exam scores > 24(7).
• GCS score 11 to 15(2)
• FMA-UE score < 21(3)

Exclusion Criteria:

• Participants with severe vision or hearing impairment.
• Neurological disorders including epilepsy, Alzheimer's disease, vertigo, Parkinson disease, and , muscular disorders which limit functional activity (OA, RA, etc).
• Peripheral vestibular disorder.
• Medications that affect balance, severe cardiovascular conditions, recent lower limb injury or surgery.
• Contraindications for EMS: Patients with certain medical conditions, such as pacemakers, implantable cardioverter-defibrillators, or metal fragments in their body, that contraindicated the use of EMS were excluded.

Study Plan

How is the study designed?

Design Details

• Primary Purpose: Diagnostic
• Allocation: Randomized
• Interventional Model: Parallel Assignment
• Masking: None (Open Label)

Number of Arms

2

Arms and Interventions

Participant Group / Arm	Intervention / Treatment
Experimental: SRG	Diagnostic test: SRG; Soft robotic gloves stimulation 30-minute sessions, 5 times per week upto 8 week Soft robotic gloves are assistive devices designed to enhance hand function for individuals with disabilities or injuries. These gloves use flexible materials, such as silicone or fabric, combined with pneumatic or cable-driven mechanisms to mimic natural hand movements. They provide assistance for gripping, holding, or manipulating objects, often controlled by sensors or user inputs. Soft robotic gloves are lightweight, adaptable, and offer rehabilitation potential, helping restore motor function in conditions like stroke or spinal cord injury. They are increasingly used in clinical and home-based therapy settings.
Active Comparator: EMS	Diagnostic test: EMS; Electrical muscle stimulation 30-minute sessions, 5 times per week upto 8 weeks. Electrical Muscle Stimulation (EMS) is a technique that uses electrical impulses to contract muscles, often used for rehabilitation, strength training, or pain management. Electrodes placed on the skin deliver controlled currents to target specific muscle groups, mimicking natural nerve signals. EMS is commonly used in physiotherapy to prevent muscle atrophy, improve circulation, and enhance recovery after injury. It is also utilized in fitness and sports for performance enhancement. Safe and non-invasive, EMS can be adjusted for therapeutic or functional goals.

What is the study measuring?

Primary Outcome Measures

Outcome Measure	Measure Description	Time Frame
The Fugl-Meyer Upper Extremity Assessment (FMA-UE)	The Fugl-Meyer Upper Extremity Assessment (FMA-UE) is a standardized tool used to evaluate motor function, sensation, coordination, and joint motion in individuals with upper limb impairments, often post-stroke. It is based on a hierarchical framework of motor recovery, covering movements from basic reflexes to voluntary motor control. The assessment includes various sections focusing on shoulder, elbow, forearm, wrist, hand, and coordination. Each item measures specific movement tasks, allowing therapists to track progress over time. The FMA-UE is widely used in clinical settings for its reliability and validity in evaluating upper extremity function. Scoring The FMA-UE has 33 items, each scored on a 3-point scale: 0 = Cannot perform; = Partially performs; = Fully performs The total score ranges from 0 to 66 points (higher scores indicate better motor function).	12 Months
The Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (QuickDASH)	The Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (QuickDASH) is a shortened version of the DASH outcome measure used to assess physical function and symptoms in individuals with upper extremity conditions. It consists of 11 questions evaluating difficulty in performing daily activities, severity of symptoms (pain, tingling, weakness), and social and emotional impacts. The QuickDASH is designed for fast administration and is applicable across various musculoskeletal disorders. It provides insight into functional limitations, helping guide treatment planning. Scoring Each item is rated on a 1-5 Likert scale (1 = no difficulty, 5 = extreme difficulty). Scores are averaged, transformed into a scale of 0 to 100 (0 = no disability, 100 = most severe disability). An optional Work and Sports/Performing Arts module adds context-specific insights.	12 months

Collaborators and Investigators

• Sponsor: Superior University

Study record dates

Study Major Dates

• Study Start (Actual): March 1, 2024
• Primary Completion (Actual): October 1, 2024
• Study Completion (Estimated): March 1, 2025

Study Registration Dates

• First Submitted: December 13, 2024
• First Submitted That Met QC Criteria: December 13, 2024
• First Posted (Actual): March 25, 2025

Study Record Updates

• Last Update Posted (Actual): March 25, 2025
• Last Update Submitted That Met QC Criteria: December 13, 2024
• Last Verified: December 1, 2024

More Information

Terms related to this study

• Additional Relevant MeSH Terms: Cerebrovascular Disorders; Brain Diseases; Central Nervous System Diseases; Nervous System Diseases; Vascular Diseases; Cardiovascular Diseases; Stroke
• Other Study ID Numbers: MSRSW/Batch-Fall22/748

Plan for Individual participant data (IPD)

• Plan to Share Individual Participant Data (IPD)?: NO

Drug and device information, study documents

• Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated drug product: No
• Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated device product: No
• product manufactured in and exported from the U.S.: No