Comparative Effects of SBES Versus TOT on Lower Limb Motor Function in Post-Stroke Patients

July 21, 2026 updated by: Riphah International University

Comparative Effects of Synergy-Based Electrical Stimulation Versus Task-Oriented Training on Lower Limb Motor Function in Post-Stroke Patients

Stroke-induced lower limb impairments severely inhibit functional independence and mobility in survivors. Inventive techniques like Synergy-Based Electrical Stimulation (SBES) and Task-Oriented Training (TOT) support favorable rehabilitation results based on Neuroplasticity. This study aims to compare the effectiveness of these in restoring purposeful movements and enhancing motor functions in post-stroke patients.This study aims to compare the efficacy of (SBES) and Task-Oriented Training (TOT) in improving lower limb motor control in sub-acute post-stroke patients.

This study will be a single-blinded randomized clinical trial design. Participants, aged 40-60 will be recruited in this study by Non-Probability convenience sampling from Rehabilitation centers and Neurology departments. Informed consent and consistent attendance throughout the intervention will be required. Through the computerized table generator method of randomization, participants will be evenly divided into two groups. Both groups will receive conventional therapy, like stretching, strengthening, and isometrics, with modalities. Group A will receive 30 Hz electrical stimulation on the affected lower limb muscles (hip flexors, knee flexors, and ankle dorsiflexors) in a synergic pattern, for 60 minutes, thrice weekly for 6 weeks. Group B will engage in functional tasks for 60 minutes, thrice weekly for 6 weeks, repeated 10 times per set with 2 sets of each activity, plus an additional self-practice session. Outcome measures will be assessed at baseline and post-intervention stages by the Fugl-Meyer Assessment for motor recovery, Time UP and Go Test (TUG) and 10 Meter Walk Test for functional mobility, gait, and balance. The paired sample t-test will be used for within-group analysis in the parametric data and the Wilcoxon test for non-parametric data, whereas, for between-group analysis independent t-test will be used for parametric data and Mann Whitney U test will be used for non-parametric data. Statistical analysis will be done by using SPSS version 26.

Keywords: Lower Limb, motor control, SBES, Strength, Stroke, TOT.

Study Overview

Status

Active, not recruiting

Conditions

Intervention / Treatment

Detailed Description

The synopsis will be presented to the Research Ethical Committee of Riphah International University, Lahore, for ethical approval to conduct this study.

RECRUITMENT:

Eligible participants will be recruited from Neurology departments and Rehabilitation centers.

RANDOMIZATION:

Patients will be recruited using a non-probability convenience sampling technique, and then they will be divided into two groups by simple random sampling through sealed, opaque envelopes.

BLINDNESS:

This study will be a single-blinded study in which the outcome assessor will be blind.

INTERVENTION:

Participants who will meet the inclusion criteria will be recruited, and written informed consent will be obtained before enrollment. The initial assessment will include the Fugl-Meyer Assessment to measure motor recovery and the 10-M Walk Test and TUG to evaluate functional mobility. Participants will be allocated to either the Synergy-Based Electrical Stimulation (SBES) group or the Task-Oriented Training group.

Study Type

Interventional

Enrollment (Estimated)

32

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 Locations

  • Pakistan
    • Punjab Province
      • Lahore, Punjab Province, Pakistan, 54000

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

Accepts Healthy Volunteers

No

Description

Inclusion Criteria:

  • Age: 40 to 60 years
  • Both Male and Female participants
  • In the sub-acute phase of stroke (1-6 months post-stroke) with lower limb motor impairment but with the ability to initiate at least trace muscle contraction (Grade ≥ 1).
  • Participants must have the ability to understand and follow simple verbal commands with the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) ≥ 26.
  • Participants must have a first-ever ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke in the sub-acute stage.
  • Participants who are functionally ambulatory and able to walk a minimum of 10 feet, with or without the use of assistive devices with a Functional Ambulation Category (FAC) score ≥ 2.

Exclusion Criteria:

  • Participants have severe cognitive impairment and an inability to understand or follow instructions, and severe sensory impairment with profound sensory loss in the lower limb affecting balance or feedback-based training.
  • Participants having orthopedic limitations like recent fractures, joint deformities, or surgeries affecting the lower limbs.
  • Participants having implanted electrical devices like pacemakers are contraindicated for electrical stimulation
  • Participants having a history of more than one stroke episode and or multiple infarcts.

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: Therapy
Hot pack and isometric exercises
Other: synergy Based Electrical stimulation

Synergy based visible but comfortable muscle contraction in semi-supine position, surface electrodes on hip and knee flexors and dorsiflexors.• Intensity adjusted based on tolerance

• Monitor muscle response and patient comfort

Other: Task oriented training

Tot Sit-to-stand, reaching, weight shifting, gait training, ball-kicking, tandem/side walking• Increase intensity by slightly reducing assistance

• Add unstable surfaces for gait
Active Comparator: Conventional Therapy
Hot pack and isometric exercises
Other: synergy Based Electrical stimulation

Synergy based visible but comfortable muscle contraction in semi-supine position, surface electrodes on hip and knee flexors and dorsiflexors.• Intensity adjusted based on tolerance

• Monitor muscle response and patient comfort

Other: Task oriented training

Tot Sit-to-stand, reaching, weight shifting, gait training, ball-kicking, tandem/side walking• Increase intensity by slightly reducing assistance

• Add unstable surfaces for gait

What is the study measuring?

Primary Outcome Measures

Outcome Measure
Measure Description
Time Frame
Fugl-Meyer Assessment:
Time Frame: Baseline to 4 weeks
The Fugl-Meyer Assessment for Lower Extremity (FMA-LE) is a reliable tool to evaluate motor recovery in post-stroke patients. It consists of 17 items divided into five sections: reflex activity, volitional movement within synergy, mixing synergies, movement with little or no synergy, and coordination/speed. Each item is scored from 0 to 2, giving a maximum score of 34. Higher scores indicate better motor function. Reflex activity includes 3 items (max 6 points), synergy movements have 6 items (12 points), mixed synergy includes 2 items (4 points), isolated movements have 3 items (6 points), and coordination/speed includes 3 items (6 points). The heel-to-shin test is used for coordination. Scoring interpretation is: 0-10 severe, 11-20 moderate, 21-29 mild, and 30-34 minimal impairment. It takes 20-30 minutes and is administered by a trained professional.
Baseline to 4 weeks
The Timed Up and Go (TUG) Test
Time Frame: Baseline to 4 weeks
This is a quick and reliable assessment used to evaluate mobility, balance, and fall risk in older adults and patients with neurological conditions like stroke. It involves timing how long it takes for a person to stand from a chair, walk three meters, turn, return, and sit down. Times under 10 seconds indicate normal mobility, while over 30 seconds suggest high fall risk. The test is simple, requires minimal equipment, and is widely used in clinical and rehabilitation settings. It helps monitor patient progress and guides treatment planning.
Baseline to 4 weeks
10-Meter Walk Test
Time Frame: Baseline to 4 weeks
The 10MWT is a quick and reliable assessment of gait speed over a short distance, commonly used in stroke rehabilitation. It involves timing a patient when they walk a 10-m path, typically within a 14-m walkaway to account for acceleration and deceleration. The test can be performed at a comfortable or fast pace. Gait speed is calculated in meters per second and is considered a strong predictor of functional mobility, fall risk, and community ambulation. It is widely used to monitor progress in stroke patients.
Baseline to 4 weeks

Collaborators and Investigators

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

Sponsor

Riphah International University

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 (Actual)

June 5, 2026

Primary Completion (Estimated)

August 6, 2026

Study Completion (Estimated)

August 6, 2026

Study Registration Dates

First Submitted

June 1, 2026

First Submitted That Met QC Criteria

July 21, 2026

First Posted (Actual)

July 22, 2026

Study Record Updates

Last Update Posted (Actual)

July 22, 2026

Last Update Submitted That Met QC Criteria

July 21, 2026

Last Verified

July 1, 2026

More Information

Terms related to this study

Keywords

Other Study ID Numbers

  • REC/RCR & AHS/25/0211

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

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.

Clinical Trials on Lower Limb

Clinical Trials on synergy Based Electrical stimulation

Search Similar Trials

Sponsors and Collaborators

Medical Conditions

Drug Interventions

CROs by country

CROs in Uzbekistan

Conditions

Rare Diseases

Drug Interventions

Dietary Supplements

Sponsor/Collaborators

Locations

Subscribe