Comparative Effects of Telerehabilitation and Clinic Based Constraint Induced Movement Therapy on Upper Limb Function in Sub-Acute Stroke Patients

May 16, 2026 updated by: Lieza Iftikhar, University of Faisalabad

Stroke constitutes a principal cause of chronic neurological disability globally, frequently precipitating profound upper limb motor impairment that compromises functional autonomy and overall quality of life. Constraint-Induced Movement Therapy (CIMT) represents a rigorously validated neurorehabilitation paradigm grounded in the doctrine of experience-dependent neuroplasticity, promoting cortical reorganization through enforced utilization of the paretic limb while restraining the unaffected extremity. By counteracting learned non-use and emphasizing high- intensity, task-specific training, CIMT substantially augments motor recovery and functional performance. The primary objective of the present study is to comparatively evaluate the efficacy of CIMT delivery-clinic-based rehabilitation and telerehabilitation-in individuals with stroke. A total of 28 participants will be recruited through a non-probability consecutive sampling technique in accordance with explicitly defined inclusion and exclusion criteria, and will subsequently be randomized into two equal groups (n = 14 per group) using the chit-and-draw method to ensure unbiased allocation. Group A will receive CIMT within a clinical setting under direct supervision, whereas Group B will undergo an equivalent intervention via a structured online telerehabilitation platform under complete supervision. The intervention will be administered to both groups for duration of eight weeks. Outcome measures will include the Action Research Arm Test (ARAT), the Wolf Motor Function Test (WMFT), and the Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS) to comprehensively evaluate upper limb motor function and spasticity. Assessments will be conducted at baseline and at the completion of the eight-week intervention period.

Statistical analysis will be performed using SPSS version 23.

Study Overview

Status

Recruiting

Conditions

Intervention / Treatment

Study Type

Interventional

Enrollment (Estimated)

28

Phase

  • Not Applicable

Contacts and Locations

This section provides the contact details for those conducting the study, and information on where this study is being conducted.

Study Contact

Study Contact Backup

Study Locations

Participation Criteria

Researchers look for people who fit a certain description, called eligibility criteria. Some examples of these criteria are a person's general health condition or prior treatments.

Eligibility Criteria

Ages Eligible for Study

  • Adult
  • Older Adult

Accepts Healthy Volunteers

No

Description

Inclusion Criteria:

- Diagnosed cases of ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke. 2. Age between 40-70 years. 3. Both male and female. 4. Presented with stroke for once in a life and in a period of 6 months post stroke.

5. Patient should not have any history of rehabilitation in his/her 6 months post stroke period. 6. Medically stable condition. 7. Ability to understand and follow simple verbal instructions. 8. Minimum active wrist and finger extension required to participate in CIMT.

Exclusion Criteria:

  • Severe cognitive impairment. 2. Severe spasticity (Modified Ashworth Scale score >3). 3. Other neurological or musculoskeletal disorders affecting upper limb function.

    4. Severe aphasia limiting effective communication. 5. Any other musculoskeletal deficits interfering with task performance. 6. Uncontrolled systemic medical conditions. 7. No attendant's support the session. 8. Depression that restrains participant to cooperate during the session.

Study Plan

This section provides details of the study plan, including how the study is designed and what the study is measuring.

How is the study designed?

Design Details

  • Primary Purpose: Treatment
  • Allocation: Randomized
  • Interventional Model: Parallel Assignment
  • Masking: Single

Arms and Interventions

Participant Group / Arm
Intervention / Treatment
Experimental: Constraint-Induced Movement Therapy within a clinical setting
Procedure: Constraint-Induced Movement Therapy within a clinical setting
it is clinic based treatment which includes Restraining the unaffected upper limb using a mitt or sling for approximately 5-6 hours per day to discourage learned non-use. Intensive, task-specific training of the affected upper limb focusing on functional activities such as reaching, grasping, lifting, gripping, pinching, and object manipulation.
Experimental: Constraint-Induced Movement Therapy Via Telerehabilitation
Procedure: Constraint-Induced Movement Therapy Via Telerehabilitation
Online Structured Tele Rehabilitation based treatment which includes Restraining the unaffected upper limb using a mitt or sling for approximately 5-6 hours per day to discourage learned non-use. Intensive, task-specific training of the affected upper limb focusing on functional activities such as reaching, grasping, lifting, gripping, pinching, and object manipulation.

What is the study measuring?

Primary Outcome Measures

Outcome Measure
Time Frame
Wolf motor function test
Time Frame: 8 weeks
8 weeks
Action research arm test
Time Frame: 8 weeks
8 weeks

Collaborators and Investigators

This is where you will find people and organizations involved with this study.

Sponsor

University of Faisalabad

Study record dates

These dates track the progress of study record and summary results submissions to ClinicalTrials.gov. Study records and reported results are reviewed by the National Library of Medicine (NLM) to make sure they meet specific quality control standards before being posted on the public website.

Study Major Dates

Study Start (Estimated)

May 16, 2026

Primary Completion (Estimated)

July 15, 2026

Study Completion (Estimated)

July 15, 2026

Study Registration Dates

First Submitted

May 16, 2026

First Submitted That Met QC Criteria

May 16, 2026

First Posted (Actual)

May 22, 2026

Study Record Updates

Last Update Posted (Actual)

May 22, 2026

Last Update Submitted That Met QC Criteria

May 16, 2026

Last Verified

May 1, 2026

More Information

Terms related to this study

Additional Relevant MeSH Terms

Other Study ID Numbers

  • TUF/EIRB/173/26

Drug and device information, study documents

Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated drug product

No

Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated device product

No

This information was retrieved directly from the website clinicaltrials.gov without any changes. If you have any requests to change, remove or update your study details, please contact register@clinicaltrials.gov. As soon as a change is implemented on clinicaltrials.gov, this will be updated automatically on our website as well.

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