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StrokeNCT07458750

Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation and Voluntary Muscle Contraction in Chronic Hemiplegic Stroke Patients

A study testing Conventional physiotherapy and Neuromuscular electrical stimulation and voluntary muscle contraction in people with Stroke, run by University of Lahore at 1 site in Pakistan.

Active, not recruiting

Under way, not looking for participants. Everyone needed has enrolled. The study is still running.

Official record
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Trial summary

This single-blinded randomized controlled trial will be conducted at the Physical Therapy Department of the University of Lahore Teaching Hospital after approval from the Institute Research Ethics Board. Read more about this study

Who is it for?
Ages 43 to 83 years
Conditions the study is for
Stroke
What is being tested?
Conventional physiotherapy and Neuromuscular electrical stimulation and voluntary muscle contraction
Could I receive a placebo?
No, everyone receives an active treatment
How many people
25 participants
Where
1 sitePakistan
Study dates
10 Feb 2025to 30 Aug 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 43 to 83 years
  • All sexes
  • No healthy volunteers
  • Adult, Older adult

Who may be able to join

  • Age of between 43 to 83 years of age
  • Diagnosed with chronic stroke (≥6 months in duration) with motor deficits resulting in hemiplegia
  • Mild ankle dorsiflexion possible
  • MAS score of ≤3 for dorsiflexors to the ankle joint
  • Be self-mobility either with or without aids .

Who cannot join

  • Parkinson's or multiple sclerosis affecting the nervous systems of the body
  • Skeletal disorders that hinder the ability of the limb
  • Pacemaker or any condition which may lead to a contraindication with NMES
  • Spasticity (MAS ≥ 3)
  • Current botulinum toxin injections in the lower limb that developed the spasticity
  • Patients with any cognitive impairment (MMSE < 24)

Trial locations and contacts

1 site in 1 country.

Pakistan1 site

  • University of lahore teaching hospital

    Lahore, Punjab Province, 54000

Other trials in Pakistan

About this study

This single-blinded randomized controlled trial will be conducted at the Physical Therapy Department of the University of Lahore Teaching Hospital after approval from the Institute Research Ethics Board. Eligible participants will be recruited and randomly allocated into two groups by lottery method: Group A (control group) receiving conventional physical therapy, and Group B (experimental group) receiving neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NEMS) combined with voluntary muscle contraction. NEMS will be applied to the tibialis anterior, extensor hallucis longus, and extensor digitorum longus with standard stimulation parameters, while participants perform active dorsiflexion during stimulation. The assessor will remain blinded to group allocation. Outcome measures including spasticity (Modified Ashworth Scale), active range of motion (goniometer), and muscle strength (manual muscle testing) will be evaluated at baseline, 6 weeks, and 12 weeks.

Read the detailed description

Recruitment: Participants will be recruited from Physical Therapy Department of University of Lahore Teaching Hospital, Lahore Screening: All the referred participants will be assessed for the eligibility criteria.

Patients fulfilling the eligibility criteria will be asked to sign the consent forms before entering them to the study. Randomization and Allocation: All the screened and willing participants will be randomly allocated to two groups (Group A: Experimental group/NEMS + voluntary muscle contraction group. Group B: control group/standard rehabilitation therapy) by lottery method. Blinding: This study was a single blinded study in which assessor was kept blinded Intervention Group A: Comparative Group (Conventional physical therapy) Patients in comparative group will receive conventional approach that will encompass placebo effect application of NEMS, weight bearing , stretching , pnf technique , tapping , passive roms , strength exercise of dorsiflexors Group B : Experiment Group/NEMS+Voluntary muscle contraction group: The participants randomly allocated in Group A will receive the electrical stimulation through electrodes on tibialis anterior, extensor hallucis longus and extensor digitorum longus

.Stimulation parameters will be as follows: pulse width=200 microseconds; on time=5seconds; off time=5seconds; frequency=20Hz; waveform=symmetrical biphasic square wave. The patient will be instructed to produce a voluntary dorsi flexors contraction with the electric pulse The stimulation intensity will adjusted according to each treatment group. All intensities were comfortable for the patients and did not induce fatigue. Any complaints and discomfort during the treatment process in each group will monitored and recorded using a patient record.

Outcome Variables:

  1. Spasticity: Modified Ashworth scale
  2. Active rom: Goniometer
  3. Muscle Grading: Manual muscle testing Data will be assessed by assessor at baseline, at the end of 6th week and at the end of 12th week
Conditions
Stroke
Being tested
Conventional physiotherapy, Neuromuscular electrical stimulation and voluntary muscle contraction
Keywords
Hemiplegia
Medical subject headings
Stroke, Hemiplegia

What participants receive

What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.

  • Conventional physiotherapyOther

    Conventional physiotherapy Participants in the comparative group will receive conventional physiotherapy treatment including placebo application of neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NEMS), weight-bearing exercises, stretching, proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) techniques, tapping, passive range of motion (PROM) exercises, and dorsiflexor strengthening exercises. The placebo NEMS will be applied in the same manner as the active stimulation but without any therapeutic current. Each session will be supervised by a physiotherapist. Treatment will be conducted as per the study protocol, and all participants' responses, complaints, and discomforts during the sessions will be monitored and recorded using a patient record sheet.

  • Neuromuscular electrical stimulation and voluntary muscle contractionOther

    Experimental Group (NEMS + Voluntary Muscle Contraction) Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation (NEMS) with Voluntary Muscle Contraction<br><br>Participants in the experimental group will receive neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NEMS) combined with voluntary muscle contraction of the dorsiflexors. Surface electrodes will be placed over the tibialis anterior, extensor hallucis longus, and extensor digitorum longus muscles. Stimulation parameters will be set as follows: pulse width = 200 microseconds, on time = 5 seconds, off time = 5 seconds, frequency = 20 Hz, waveform = symmetrical biphasic square wave. Participants will be instructed to voluntarily contract the dorsiflexors during each stimulation pulse. The stimulation intensity will be adjusted according to patient comfort to avoid fatigue. Each session will be administered by a trained physiotherapist following the standardized protocol. Any discomfort or adverse response during the procedure will be documented in the patient.

Study groups in NCT07458750
Study groupRoleWhat they receive
Conventional physiotherapyExperimentalConventional physiotherapy Participants in the comparative group will receive conventional physiotherapy treatment including placebo application of neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NEMS), weight-bearing exercises, stretching, proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) techniques, tapping, passive range of motion (PROM) exercises, and dorsiflexor strengthening exercises. The placebo NEMS will be applied in the same manner as the active stimulation but without any therapeutic current. Each session will be supervised by a physiotherapist. Treatment will be conducted as per the study protocol, and all participants' responses, complaints, and discomforts during the sessions will be monitored and recorded using a patient record sheet.
Receives: Other: Conventional physiotherapy; Other: Neuromuscular electrical stimulation and voluntary muscle contraction
Neuromuscular electrical stimulation + Voluntary muscle contractionExperimentalExperimental Group (NEMS + Voluntary Muscle Contraction) Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation (NEMS) with Voluntary Muscle Contraction Participants in the experimental group will receive neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NEMS) combined with voluntary muscle contraction of the dorsiflexors. Surface electrodes will be placed over the tibialis anterior, extensor hallucis longus, and extensor digitorum longus muscles. Stimulation parameters will be set as follows: pulse width = 200 microseconds, on time = 5 seconds, off time = 5 seconds, frequency = 20 Hz, waveform = symmetrical biphasic square wave. Participants will be instructed to voluntarily contract the dorsiflexors during each stimulation pulse. The stimulation intensity will be adjusted according to patient comfort to avoid fatigue. Each session will be administered by a trained physiotherapist following the standardized protocol. Any discomfort or adverse response during the procedure will be documented in the patient
Receives: Other: Conventional physiotherapy; Other: Neuromuscular electrical stimulation and voluntary muscle contraction

What is being measured

The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.

  1. Modified Ashworth scale

    The Modified Ashworth Scale is a clinical tool used to assess muscle spasticity by measuring resistance during passive soft-tissue stretching. It grades the increase in muscle tone on a scale from 0 to 4, where 0 indicates no increase in muscle tone and 4 indicates the affected part is rigid in flexion or extension. It is a widely used and reliable method for evaluating the severity of spasticity in patients with neurological or musculoskeletal conditions.

    Measured: 12 weeks

  2. Goniometery

    A goniometer is an instrument that either measures an angle or allows an object to be rotated to a precise angular position.

    Measured: 12 weeks

  3. Manual muscle testing

    Manual Muscle Testing is a standardized clinical assessment used to evaluate the strength of individual muscles or muscle groups based on the examiner's application of resistance. Muscle strength is graded on a six-point scale (0-5), where 0 indicates no muscle contraction and 5 represents normal strength against full resistance. It is a reliable and widely used method to assess motor function, recovery, and the effectiveness of therapeutic interventions.

    Measured: 12 weeks

Timeline

From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.

  1. First posted9 Mar 2026
  2. Study start10 Feb 2025
  3. Primary completion30 Aug 2026 (estimated)
  4. Study completion30 Aug 2026 (estimated)

Resources

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
Masking
Single blind
Who is masked
Outcomes assessor
Enrolment
25 participants (estimated)
IDs, dates and publications
ClinicalTrials.gov ID
NCT07458750
Sponsor's protocol ID
UOL/IREB/25/12/0013
Status last verified
Oct 2025
First submitted
4 Mar 2026
Last updated
15 Jul 2026
Results posted
No
FDA-regulated drug
No
FDA-regulated device
No
Individual data sharing
No

Publications

  • Gillard, J. H., Parrish, T. B., & Mossa-Basha, M. (2021). Stroke imaging advancements. Neuroimaging Clinics of North America, 31(1), 1-17. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nicna.2020.11.001

  • Fugl-Meyer AR, Jaasko L, Leyman I, Olsson S, Steglind S. The post-stroke hemiplegic patient. 1. a method for evaluation of physical performance. Scand J Rehabil Med. 1975;7(1):13-31.

    PubMed 1135616

  • Feigin, V. L., Norrving, B., & Mensah, G. A. (2017). Global burden of stroke. The Lancet Neurology, 16(11), 877-897. https://doi.org/10.1016/S1474-4422(17)30283-0

  • Doucet BM, Lam A, Griffin L. Neuromuscular electrical stimulation for skeletal muscle function. Yale J Biol Med. 2012 Jun;85(2):201-15. Epub 2012 Jun 25.

    PubMed 22737049

  • Chen, H., Lin, Y., Chen, C., & Tang, Y. (2022). NMES and VMC for dorsiflexion and mobility improvements in chronic stroke. Journal of Neurorehabilitation, 29(6), 378- 387. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neurorehab.2022.05.004

  • Busk H, Skou ST, Lyckhage LF, Arens CH, Asgari N, Wienecke T. Neuromuscular Electric Stimulation in Addition to Exercise Therapy in Patients with Lower Extremity Paresis Due to Acute Ischemic Stroke. A proof-of-concept randomised controlled trial. J Stroke Cerebrovasc Dis. 2021 Oct;30(10):106050. doi: 10.1016/j.jstrokecerebrovasdis.2021.106050. Epub 2021 Aug 19.

    PubMed 34418670

  • Burridge, J., Wood, D., Taylor, P., & Swain, I. (2014). Feasibility study on NMES and VMC for dorsiflexion recovery. Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, 95(4), 817-824. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apmr.2013.12.011

  • Bohannon RW, Smith MB. Interrater reliability of a modified Ashworth scale of muscle spasticity. Phys Ther. 1987 Feb;67(2):206-7. doi: 10.1093/ptj/67.2.206.

    PubMed 3809245

  • Benjamin EJ, Muntner P, Alonso A, Bittencourt MS, Callaway CW, Carson AP, Chamberlain AM, Chang AR, Cheng S, Das SR, Delling FN, Djousse L, Elkind MSV, Ferguson JF, Fornage M, Jordan LC, Khan SS, Kissela BM, Knutson KL, Kwan TW, Lackland DT, Lewis TT, Lichtman JH, Longenecker CT, Loop MS, Lutsey PL, Martin SS, Matsushita K, Moran AE, Mussolino ME, O'Flaherty M, Pandey A, Perak AM, Rosamond WD, Roth GA, Sampson UKA, Satou GM, Schroeder EB, Shah SH, Spartano NL, Stokes A, Tirschwell DL, Tsao CW, Turakhia MP, VanWagner LB, Wilkins JT, Wong SS, Virani SS; American Heart Association Council on Epidemiology and Prevention Statistics Committee and Stroke Statistics Subcommittee. Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics-2019 Update: A Report From the American Heart Association. Circulation. 2019 Mar 5;139(10):e56-e528. doi: 10.1161/CIR.0000000000000659. No abstract available.

    PubMed 30700139

  • Ahmed, A., et al. (2019). Evaluation of NMES and VMC for ankle control in chronic stroke. Journal of Stroke and Cerebrovascular Diseases, 28(12), 3417-3425.

Questions about this trial

What is this clinical trial studying?

A study testing Conventional physiotherapy and Neuromuscular electrical stimulation and voluntary muscle contraction in people with Stroke, run by University of Lahore at 1 site in Pakistan.

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 5 inclusion and 6 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: under way, not looking for participants, as of the sponsor's last update on 15 Jul 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 Pakistan. 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. 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?

The record lists no contact. The official record names the sponsor, who can be asked directly. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.

What does the primary outcome measure?

Modified Ashworth scale (time frame: 12 weeks). The study lists 3 primary outcomes in all. It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.

Where can I read the original study information?

On the ClinicalTrials.gov record for NCT07458750, which also lists 10 linked publications.

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 15 Jul 2026.

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