StrokeNCT06166862
Action Observation and Motor Imagery Therapy in Stroke
A study testing Action observation and motor imagery therapy for rehabilitation in people with Stroke, run by Karamanoğlu Mehmetbey University at 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye).
Trial summary
In recent years, motor imagery (MI) and action observation (AO) therapy strategies have been used in rehabilitation programs to increase motor learning in stroke. Visuomotor training strategies such as AO and MI therapy rely on the activity of the mirror neuron system to facilitate motor re-learning. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 18 to 65 years
- Conditions the study is for
- Stroke
- What is being tested?
- Action observation and motor imagery therapy for rehabilitation
- Could I receive a placebo?
- Yes, some participants may receive a placebo
- How many people
- 56 participants
- Where
- 1 siteTurkey (Türkiye)
- Study dates
- 12 Dec 2023to Dec 2026
- Phase
- Interventional
- Are there results?
- Not yet: the study is under way
Key requirements
Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.
- Ages 18 to 65 years
- All sexes
- No healthy volunteers
- Adult, Older adult
Who may be able to join
- Patients who had a stroke in the last year
- Functional Ambulation Classification score 2-5
Who cannot join
- Patients who have had repeated strokes
- Patients with neglect
- Patients with cognitive dysfunction (those who cannot follow simple verbal instructions)
- Patients with severe hearing problems
- Patients with severe vision problems
- Patients with additional musculoskeletal system pathology that will affect physical performance (such as amputation, severe joint mobility limitation, peripheral nerve damage)
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- Patients with uncontrolled hypertension and diabetes mellitus
- Patients with a history of symptomatic lung disease (such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, emphysema)
- Patients with a history of symptomatic cardiac disease (such as coronary artery disease, arrhythmia, heart failure)
- Patients with peripheral artery disease
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country. Contact the study team or a site near you to ask about taking part.
Aynur Basaran, MD, Prof. contact
Turkey (Türkiye)1 site, 1 recruiting
- Recruiting
Karaman Training and Research Hospital
Karaman, Karaman, 70200
Yurdagul Bahran Mustu, MD., +90 338 226 3228, yurdagulbahran@gmail.com
Aynur Basaran, MD, Prof., +90 338 226 3225, aynurbasaran@gmail.com
About this study
Official title: Effect of Action Observation and Motor Imagery Therapy on Balance, Functional Status and Quality of Life in Stroke, Randomized Controlled Trial
In recent years, motor imagery (MI) and action observation (AO) therapy strategies have been used in rehabilitation programs to increase motor learning in stroke. Visuomotor training strategies such as AO and MI therapy rely on the activity of the mirror neuron system to facilitate motor re-learning. Mirror neurons are activated during the performance of goal-directed actions, also when observing the same action and visualizing the action in the mind.
This clinical trial aims to test whether the application of AO and MI treatment in stroke in addition to conventional rehabilitation programs has an additional effect on motor recovery, activities of daily living, and quality of life.
Read the detailed description
Stroke is one of the most common neurological disorders that causes chronic disability in adulthood. Stroke-related neurological dysfunction causes impairment in motor and sensory skills and limitation in the ability to perform daily living activities, resulting in decreased independence of patients. This process causes significant impairment in the quality of life of stroke patients.
In recent years, motor imagery (MI) and action observation (AO) therapy strategies have been used in rehabilitation programs to increase motor learning in stroke. Visuomotor training strategies such as AO and MI therapy rely on the activity of the mirror neuron system to facilitate motor re-learning. Mirror neurons are activated during the performance of goal-directed actions, also when observing the same action and visualizing the action in the mind.
This clinical trial aims to test whether the application of AO and MI treatment in stroke in addition to conventional rehabilitation programs has an additional effect on motor recovery, activities of daily living, and quality of life.
- Conditions
- Stroke
- Being tested
- Action observation and motor imagery therapy for rehabilitation, Sham action observation and motor imagery therapy for rehabilitation
- Medical subject headings
- Stroke
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Action observation and motor imagery therapy for rehabilitationOther
Action observation; Patients will watch some exercises accompanied by music from a previously prepared video for 10 minutes. Exercises include 8-10 repetitions of abduction-adduction, horizontal abduction-adduction, flexion-extension and supination-pronation movements for the upper extremity, and stepping, forward-backward stepping, side stepping and ankle dorsiflexion movements for the lower extremity.
Motor imagery training; Patients will be asked to visualize the actions they watched in their minds for 10 minutes.
Then the patients will watch the video again and will be asked to perform the exercises while watching.
Sham action observation and motor imagery therapy for rehabilitationOther
Sham action observation; Patients will watch a video consisting of static nature photographs for 10 minutes with the same music.
Sham motor imaginary; Patients will think about the video they watched for 10 minutes.
Then, they will watch another video in which the exercises are performed only once, and they will be asked to do the exercises. They will be given enough time to do 8-10 repetitions.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Action observation and motor imagery therapy for rehabilitation | Experimental | Action observation and motor imagery therapy for rehabilitation in stroke patients in addition to conventional rehabilitation programs. Receives: Other: Action observation and motor imagery therapy for rehabilitation |
| Sham action observation and motor imagery therapy for rehabilitation | Sham comparator | Sham comparator for action observation and motor imagery therapy for rehabilitation in stroke patients in addition to conventional rehabilitation programs. Receives: Other: Sham action observation and motor imagery therapy for rehabilitation |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
The difference in the scores of the Fugl-Meyer Assessment between pre- and post-rehabilitation assessments
Univariate statistical analyses will be performed to calculate differences in the scores of the Fugl-Meyer Assessment between pre- and post-rehabilitation assessments.
The Fugl-Meyer Assessment is a stroke-specific, performance-based impairment index. It is designed to assess motor functioning, balance, sensation and joint functioning in patients with post-stroke hemiplegia. The motor domain is used in this study, which includes items assessing movement, coordination, and reflex action of the upper and lower extremities. Motor score ranges from 0 (hemiplegia) to 100 points (normal motor performance). Divided into 66 points for upper extremity and 34 points for the lower extremity.
Measured: 6 weeks
The difference in the scores of the Brunnstrom stages between pre- and post-rehabilitation assessments
Univariate statistical analyses will be performed to calculate differences in the scores of the Brunnstron stages between pre- and post-rehabilitation assessments.
Brunnstrom staging assesses the motor recovery process of the hemiplegic patient in 6 stages (Stages 1 to 6). Upper extremity, lower extremity, and hand are evaluated separately. Higher stages indicate better motor function.
Measured: 6 weeks
Secondary outcomes (2)
The difference in the scores of the Barthel Index between pre- and post-rehabilitation assessments
Univariate statistical analyses will be performed to calculate differences in the scores of the Barthel Index between pre- and post-rehabilitation assessments.
The Barthel Index measures the functional independence of a person in mobility and activities of daily living. The index yields a total score out of 100 (0 to 100). The higher the score, the greater the degree of functional independence.
Measured: 6 weeks
The difference in the scores of the Stroke-Specific Quality of Life Scale between pre- and post-rehabilitation
Univariate statistical analyses will be performed to calculate differences in the scores of the Stroke-Specific Quality of Life Scale between pre- and post-rehabilitation assessments.
Stroke Specific Quality of Life Scale assesses health-related quality of life specific to stroke survivors. It consists of a total of 49 items and the total score ranges from 49-245. Higher scores indicate better functioning.
Measured: 6 weeks
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted12 Dec 2023
- Study start12 Dec 2023
- Primary completionDec 2026 (estimated)
- Study completionDec 2026 (estimated)
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Other trials for StrokeStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- What the trial phases meanHow a treatment moves from first tests in people to approval.
More details
For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.
Study design
- Study type
- Interventional
- Phase
- Phase N/A
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Model description
- Prospective randomized controlled study
- Masking
- Single blind
- Who is masked
- Outcomes assessor
- Enrolment
- 56 participants (estimated)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Karamanoğlu Mehmetbey University
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Collaborators
- Karaman Training and Research Hospital
- Responsible party
- Principal investigator, Yurdagül Bahran Muştu, Karamanoğlu Mehmetbey University
- Investigators
- Yurdagul Bahran Mustu, MD., Principal investigator, Karaman Training and Research Hospital
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT06166862
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- 09-2023/02
- Status last verified
- Aug 2026
- First submitted
- 4 Dec 2023
- Last updated
- 5 Aug 2026
- Results posted
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 5 Aug 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Effect of Action Observation and Motor Imagery Therapy on Balance, Functional Status and Quality of Life in Stroke, Randomized Controlled Trial
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT06166862
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- 09-2023/02
- Conditions
- Stroke
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Recruiting
- Enrolment
- 56 participants (estimated)
- Lead sponsor
- Karamanoğlu Mehmetbey UniversityUniversity, hospital or other
- Collaborators
- Karaman Training and Research Hospital
- Study start
- 12 Dec 2023 (actual)
- Primary completion
- Dec 2026 (estimated)
- Study completion
- Dec 2026 (estimated)
- First posted
- 12 Dec 2023 (actual)
- Results
- Not posted in the source record
Clinical summary
The research question as the sponsor registered it. This describes what the study plans to test, not what it found.
In recent years, motor imagery (MI) and action observation (AO) therapy strategies have been used in rehabilitation programs to increase motor learning in stroke. Visuomotor training strategies such as AO and MI therapy rely on the activity of the mirror neuron system to facilitate motor re-learning. Mirror neurons are activated during the performance of goal-directed actions, also when observing the same action and visualizing the action in the mind.
This clinical trial aims to test whether the application of AO and MI treatment in stroke in addition to conventional rehabilitation programs has an additional effect on motor recovery, activities of daily living, and quality of life.
Detailed description
Stroke is one of the most common neurological disorders that causes chronic disability in adulthood. Stroke-related neurological dysfunction causes impairment in motor and sensory skills and limitation in the ability to perform daily living activities, resulting in decreased independence of patients. This process causes significant impairment in the quality of life of stroke patients.
In recent years, motor imagery (MI) and action observation (AO) therapy strategies have been used in rehabilitation programs to increase motor learning in stroke. Visuomotor training strategies such as AO and MI therapy rely on the activity of the mirror neuron system to facilitate motor re-learning. Mirror neurons are activated during the performance of goal-directed actions, also when observing the same action and visualizing the action in the mind.
This clinical trial aims to test whether the application of AO and MI treatment in stroke in addition to conventional rehabilitation programs has an additional effect on motor recovery, activities of daily living, and quality of life.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Single blind (outcomes assessor)
- Number of arms
- 2
- Model description
- Prospective randomized controlled study
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Action observation and motor imagery therapy for rehabilitation | Experimental | Other: Action observation and motor imagery therapy for rehabilitationAction observation and motor imagery therapy for rehabilitation in stroke patients in addition to conventional rehabilitation programs. |
| Sham action observation and motor imagery therapy for rehabilitation | Sham comparator | Other: Sham action observation and motor imagery therapy for rehabilitationSham comparator for action observation and motor imagery therapy for rehabilitation in stroke patients in addition to conventional rehabilitation programs. |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 18 to 65 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Not accepted
- Age groups
- Adult, Older adult
Key inclusion criteria (2 listed)
- Patients who had a stroke in the last year
- Functional Ambulation Classification score 2-5
Key exclusion criteria (10 listed)
- Patients who have had repeated strokes
- Patients with neglect
- Patients with cognitive dysfunction (those who cannot follow simple verbal instructions)
- Patients with severe hearing problems
- Patients with severe vision problems
Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening; this overview does not establish that a patient qualifies. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Interventions
| Intervention | Type | Arms |
|---|---|---|
| Action observation and motor imagery therapy for rehabilitationAction observation; Patients will watch some exercises accompanied by music from a previously prepared video for 10 minutes. Exercises include 8-10 repetitions of abduction-adduction, horizontal abduction-adduction, flexion-extension and supination-pronation movements for the upper extremity, and stepping, forward-backward stepping, side stepping and ankle dorsiflexion movements for the lower extremity. Motor imagery training; Patients will be asked to visualize the actions they watched in their minds for 10 minutes. Then the patients will watch the video again and will be asked to perform the exercises while watching. | Other | Action observation and motor imagery therapy for rehabilitation |
| Sham action observation and motor imagery therapy for rehabilitationSham action observation; Patients will watch a video consisting of static nature photographs for 10 minutes with the same music. Sham motor imaginary; Patients will think about the video they watched for 10 minutes. Then, they will watch another video in which the exercises are performed only once, and they will be asked to do the exercises. They will be given enough time to do 8-10 repetitions. | Other | Sham action observation and motor imagery therapy for rehabilitation |
Primary outcome
The difference in the scores of the Fugl-Meyer Assessment between pre- and post-rehabilitation assessments
Time frame: 6 weeks
Univariate statistical analyses will be performed to calculate differences in the scores of the Fugl-Meyer Assessment between pre- and post-rehabilitation assessments. The Fugl-Meyer Assessment is a stroke-specific, performance-based impairment index. It is designed to assess motor functioning, balance, sensation and joint functioning in patients with post-stroke hemiplegia. The motor domain is used in this study, which includes items assessing movement, coordination, and reflex action of the upper and lower extremities. Motor score ranges from 0 (hemiplegia) to 100 points (normal motor performance). Divided into 66 points for upper extremity and 34 points for the lower extremity.
The difference in the scores of the Brunnstrom stages between pre- and post-rehabilitation assessments
Time frame: 6 weeks
Univariate statistical analyses will be performed to calculate differences in the scores of the Brunnstron stages between pre- and post-rehabilitation assessments. Brunnstrom staging assesses the motor recovery process of the hemiplegic patient in 6 stages (Stages 1 to 6). Upper extremity, lower extremity, and hand are evaluated separately. Higher stages indicate better motor function.
2 secondary outcomes
The difference in the scores of the Barthel Index between pre- and post-rehabilitation assessments
Time frame: 6 weeks
The difference in the scores of the Stroke-Specific Quality of Life Scale between pre- and post-rehabilitation
Time frame: 6 weeks
Results and safety
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 5 Aug 2026.
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Referral and contact
AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals. Contact the study team or a site listed below; they decide who can take part.
Aynur Basaran, MD, Prof. contact
Yurdagul Bahran Mustu, MD. principal investigator
Karaman Training and Research Hospital
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing Action observation and motor imagery therapy for rehabilitation in people with Stroke, run by Karamanoğlu Mehmetbey University at 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye).
The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.
Who may be eligible to take part?
The sponsor lists 2 inclusion and 10 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.
Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?
The record says: looking for participants now, as of the sponsor's last update on 5 Aug 2026. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.
Where is the study taking place?
The record lists 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye). Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.
What are the possible benefits and risks?
They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. Some participants in this study may receive a placebo. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.
Are results available for this study?
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
Contact Yurdagul Bahran Mustu, MD. (+90 506 209 76 72, yurdagulbahran@gmail.com), or a site near the patient. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
The difference in the scores of the Fugl-Meyer Assessment between pre- and post-rehabilitation assessments (time frame: 6 weeks). The study lists 2 primary outcomes in all. It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?
No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.
How often is this information updated?
AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 5 Aug 2026.