StrokeNCT07578779
Effects of Frenkels Exercises and Electrical Muscle Stimulation on Stroke Patients
A study testing Frenkels exercise with EMS and Conservative treatment in people with Stroke, run by Riphah International University.
Trial summary
To determine the combined effects of frenkel's exercises and electrical muscle stimulation on coordination, balance and proprioception in stroke patients. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 50 to 65 years
- Conditions the study is for
- Stroke
- What is being tested?
- Frenkels exercise with EMS and Conservative treatment
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 38 participants
- Where
- No sites listed yet
- Study dates
- 20 Jun 2026to 1 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 50 to 65 years
- All sexes
- No healthy volunteers
- Adult, Older adult
Who may be able to join
- Typically 50-65 years old.(14)
- Both male and female are included
- Patients with subacute ischemic stroke (hemiplegia).(15)
- Ability to walk independently for at least 10minutes.(16)
- Diagnosis of a first-time stroke or without sequel of a previous stroke(15)
- MOCA score>26 to confirm adequate cognitive function.
- Brunnstrom exercise recovery stages of 3-4 or higher(17)
- Voluntarily provided informed consent prior to participating
Who cannot join
- Patients with severe cognitive impairment or dementia.(16)
- Patients with unstable medical conditions, such as uncontrolled hypertension or cardiac disease.
- Patients with recent surgery or injury that may affect participation in the study.
- Patients with contraindications to electrical muscle stimulation (EMS), such as unstable cardiopulmonary medical conditions pacemakers or metal implants
Trial locations and contacts
No sites are listed yet. Contact the study team or a site near you to ask about taking part.
About this study
Official title: Combined Effects of Frenkels Exercises and Electrical Muscle Stimulation on Balance, Coordination and Proprioception in Stroke Patients
To determine the combined effects of frenkel's exercises and electrical muscle stimulation on coordination, balance and proprioception in stroke patients.
- Conditions
- Stroke
- Being tested
- Frenkels exercise with EMS, Conservative treatment
- Keywords
- Balance, Coordination, EMS, Ischemia, Proprioception, Rehabilitation, Stroke
- Medical subject headings
- Stroke, Ischemia
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Frenkels exercise with EMSOther
Group A will include 19 participants. Participant will receive EMS for 10 minutes and Frenkels exercise for 20 minutes for 3 days per week for 8 weeks In Week 1-2 Investigator will apply 50Hz EMS pulse duration of 150 μs, intermittent with 5s of EMS stimulation to perform the movement and 10s of rest stimulation for adaptation while focusing lower limb exercises in according to frenkles exercises for 20 min in lying position Week 3-4: 60 Hz EMS stimulation applied pulse duration of 200 μs, intermittent with 5 s of EMS stimulation to perform the movement and 10 s of rest with frenkles exercises in sitting position Week 5-6 Frequency of 70 Hz pulse duration of 250 μs, intermittent with 5 s of EMS stimulation to perform the movement and 10 s of rest EMS stimulation will be applied with frenkles exercises in standing position Week 7-8: In progression, Frequency of 85 Hz and pulse duration of 300 μs, intermittent with 5 s of EMS stimulation to perform the movement and 10 s of rest
Conservative treatmentOther
Group B will also include 19 participants. Each participant will receive routine therapy for 30 minutes. It could be hot pack, IR with routine exercises for 3 days per week for 8 weeks.
Weeks 1-2: Initial Phase
- Breathing exercises
- Range of motion exercises
- Seated exercises Weeks 3-4: Strengthening Phase Resistance band exercises: Upper and lower limb strengthening
- Weight-bearing exercises c) Gait training: Walking with support d) Balance exercises: Weeks 5-6 Functional Phase
- Functional activities: Reaching, scooting, transferring
- Gait training: Walking without support, navigating obstacles
- Balance exercises: Dynamic balance, reaction training
- Strengthening exercises:
Weeks 7-8: Advanced Phase
- Advanced gait training: Stair climbing, curbs, uneven surfaces
- Complex functional activities: Cooking, dressing, household chores
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Frenkels exercise with EMS | Experimental | Participant will receive EMS for 10 minutes and Frenkels exercise for 20 minutes for 3 days per week for 8 weeks Receives: Other: Frenkels exercise with EMS |
| Conservative Treatment | Active comparator | Participants will receive routine therapy for 30 minutes. It could be hot pack, IR with routine exercises for 3 days per week for 8 weeks. Receives: Other: Conservative treatment |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
The Berg Balance Scale (BBS)
It's a 14-item performance-based measure, meaning it assesses how well a person can perform specific tasks related to balance. Each item is scored on a 5-point scale (0-4), with higher scores indicating better balance, and a total score range of 0-56.
Measured: Baseline and 8th week
The Nottingham Sensory Assessment (NSA)
NSA is used to evaluate sensory impairments, particularly in individuals who have experienced stroke.
scores ranging from 0 (extreme difficulty/unable to perform) to 4 (no difficulty) for each item.
Measured: baseline and 8th week
The Lower Extremity Motor Coordination Test (LEMOCOT)
(LEMOCOT) scoring scale involves assessing an individual's ability to perform specific lower extremity movements, with scores ranging from 0 (extreme difficulty/unable to perform) to 4 (no difficulty) for each item. The total score is obtained by summing the scores of all items, with a higher score indicating better motor coordination.
Measured: Baseline and 8th Week
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted11 May 2026
- Study start20 Jun 2026 (estimated)
- Primary completion1 Aug 2026 (estimated)
- Study completion1 Aug 2026 (estimated)
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Publications (6)Papers the sponsor has linked to this study.
- Other trials for StrokeStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- More trials run by Riphah International UniversityThe sponsor's other registered studies.
- 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
- Masking
- Single blind
- Who is masked
- Outcomes assessor
- Enrolment
- 38 participants (estimated)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Riphah International University
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Sponsor
- Investigators
- Sabiha Arshad, M.Phill, Principal investigator, Riphah International University
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07578779
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- REC/0218 Waneeza Malik
- Status last verified
- Jun 2026
- First submitted
- 5 May 2026
- Last updated
- 10 Jun 2026
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- No
Publications
1. Ko EJ, Chun MH, Kim D-Y, Kang Y, Lee SJ, Yi JH, et al. Frenkel's exercise on lower limb sensation and balance in subacute ischemic stroke patients with impaired proprioception. Neurology Asia. 2018;23(3).
Shoeb M, Mishra A, Yadav KK, Kumar S, Yadav S. Effect of BAPS Board Versus Frenkel Exercise on Balance in Stroke Patient's-A Pilot Study.
Yoo HJ, Park S, Oh S, Kang M, Seo Y, Kim BG, Lee SH. Effects of electrical muscle stimulation on core muscle activation and physical performance in non-athletic adults: A randomized controlled trial. Medicine (Baltimore). 2023 Jan 27;102(4):e32765. doi: 10.1097/MD.0000000000032765.
PubMed 36705372Haque S. Effectiveness of frankel exercise to improve balance and function after stroke: Bangladesh Health Professions Institute, Faculty of Medicine, the University …; 2023.
Khan S, Shahid W, Khalid R, Pervez M, Hameed R, Khaliq S. Effects of Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation with and without Electrical Muscle Stimulation on spasticity, gait and lower limb function in chronic stroke patients. Journal of Health and Rehabilitation Research. 2024;4(3):1-6.
Arif A, Arshad K, Tariq S, Sundas S, Tariq N, Kabir A, et al. COMPARATIVE EFFECTS OF VIRTUAL REALITY AND FRENKEL'S EXERCISES ON BALANCE, GAIT AND QUALITY OF LIFE IN PATIENTS WITH STROKE. Insights-Journal of Health and Rehabilitation. 2024;2(2 (Health & Rehab)):459-67.
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 10 Jun 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Combined Effects of Frenkels Exercises and Electrical Muscle Stimulation on Balance, Coordination and Proprioception in Stroke Patients
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07578779
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- REC/0218 Waneeza Malik
- Conditions
- Stroke
- Keywords
- Balance, Coordination, EMS, Ischemia, Proprioception, Rehabilitation, Stroke
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Not yet recruiting
- Enrolment
- 38 participants (estimated)
- Lead sponsor
- Riphah International UniversityUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 20 Jun 2026 (estimated)
- Primary completion
- 1 Aug 2026 (estimated)
- Study completion
- 1 Aug 2026 (estimated)
- First posted
- 11 May 2026 (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.
To determine the combined effects of frenkel's exercises and electrical muscle stimulation on coordination, balance and proprioception in stroke patients.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Single blind (outcomes assessor)
- Number of arms
- 2
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Frenkels exercise with EMS | Experimental | Other: Frenkels exercise with EMSParticipant will receive EMS for 10 minutes and Frenkels exercise for 20 minutes for 3 days per week for 8 weeks |
| Conservative Treatment | Active comparator | Other: Conservative treatmentParticipants will receive routine therapy for 30 minutes. It could be hot pack, IR with routine exercises for 3 days per week for 8 weeks. |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 50 to 65 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Not accepted
- Age groups
- Adult, Older adult
Key inclusion criteria (8 listed)
- Typically 50-65 years old.(14)
- Both male and female are included
- Patients with subacute ischemic stroke (hemiplegia).(15)
- Ability to walk independently for at least 10minutes.(16)
- Diagnosis of a first-time stroke or without sequel of a previous stroke(15)
Key exclusion criteria (4 listed)
- Patients with severe cognitive impairment or dementia.(16)
- Patients with unstable medical conditions, such as uncontrolled hypertension or cardiac disease.
- Patients with recent surgery or injury that may affect participation in the study.
- Patients with contraindications to electrical muscle stimulation (EMS), such as unstable cardiopulmonary medical conditions pacemakers or metal implants
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Frenkels exercise with EMSGroup A will include 19 participants. Participant will receive EMS for 10 minutes and Frenkels exercise for 20 minutes for 3 days per week for 8 weeks In Week 1-2 Investigator will apply 50Hz EMS pulse duration of 150 μs, intermittent with 5s of EMS stimulation to perform the movement and 10s of rest stimulation for adaptation while focusing lower limb exercises in according to frenkles exercises for 20 min in lying position Week 3-4: 60 Hz EMS stimulation applied pulse duration of 200 μs, intermittent with 5 s of EMS stimulation to perform the movement and 10 s of rest with frenkles exercises in sitting position Week 5-6 Frequency of 70 Hz pulse duration of 250 μs, intermittent with 5 s of EMS stimulation to perform the movement and 10 s of rest EMS stimulation will be applied with frenkles exercises in standing position Week 7-8: In progression, Frequency of 85 Hz and pulse duration of 300 μs, intermittent with 5 s of EMS stimulation to perform the movement and 10 s of rest | Other | Frenkels exercise with EMS |
| Conservative treatmentGroup B will also include 19 participants. Each participant will receive routine therapy for 30 minutes. It could be hot pack, IR with routine exercises for 3 days per week for 8 weeks. Weeks 1-2: Initial Phase 1. Breathing exercises 2. Range of motion exercises 3. Seated exercises Weeks 3-4: Strengthening Phase Resistance band exercises: Upper and lower limb strengthening b) Weight-bearing exercises c) Gait training: Walking with support d) Balance exercises: Weeks 5-6 Functional Phase 1. Functional activities: Reaching, scooting, transferring 2. Gait training: Walking without support, navigating obstacles 3. Balance exercises: Dynamic balance, reaction training 4. Strengthening exercises: Weeks 7-8: Advanced Phase 1. Advanced gait training: Stair climbing, curbs, uneven surfaces 2. Complex functional activities: Cooking, dressing, household chores | Other | Conservative Treatment |
Primary outcome
The Berg Balance Scale (BBS)
Time frame: Baseline and 8th week
It's a 14-item performance-based measure, meaning it assesses how well a person can perform specific tasks related to balance. Each item is scored on a 5-point scale (0-4), with higher scores indicating better balance, and a total score range of 0-56.
The Nottingham Sensory Assessment (NSA)
Time frame: baseline and 8th week
NSA is used to evaluate sensory impairments, particularly in individuals who have experienced stroke. scores ranging from 0 (extreme difficulty/unable to perform) to 4 (no difficulty) for each item.
The Lower Extremity Motor Coordination Test (LEMOCOT)
Time frame: Baseline and 8th Week
(LEMOCOT) scoring scale involves assessing an individual's ability to perform specific lower extremity movements, with scores ranging from 0 (extreme difficulty/unable to perform) to 4 (no difficulty) for each item. The total score is obtained by summing the scores of all items, with a higher score indicating better motor coordination.
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 10 Jun 2026.
- Background1. Ko EJ, Chun MH, Kim D-Y, Kang Y, Lee SJ, Yi JH, et al. Frenkel's exercise on lower limb sensation and balance in subacute ischemic stroke patients with impaired proprioception. Neurology Asia. 2018;23(3).
- BackgroundShoeb M, Mishra A, Yadav KK, Kumar S, Yadav S. Effect of BAPS Board Versus Frenkel Exercise on Balance in Stroke Patient's-A Pilot Study.
- Background: PubMed 36705372Yoo HJ, Park S, Oh S, Kang M, Seo Y, Kim BG, Lee SH. Effects of electrical muscle stimulation on core muscle activation and physical performance in non-athletic adults: A randomized controlled trial. Medicine (Baltimore). 2023 Jan 27;102(4):e32765. doi: 10.1097/MD.0000000000032765.
- BackgroundHaque S. Effectiveness of frankel exercise to improve balance and function after stroke: Bangladesh Health Professions Institute, Faculty of Medicine, the University …; 2023.
- BackgroundKhan S, Shahid W, Khalid R, Pervez M, Hameed R, Khaliq S. Effects of Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation with and without Electrical Muscle Stimulation on spasticity, gait and lower limb function in chronic stroke patients. Journal of Health and Rehabilitation Research. 2024;4(3):1-6.
- BackgroundArif A, Arshad K, Tariq S, Sundas S, Tariq N, Kabir A, et al. COMPARATIVE EFFECTS OF VIRTUAL REALITY AND FRENKEL'S EXERCISES ON BALANCE, GAIT AND QUALITY OF LIFE IN PATIENTS WITH STROKE. Insights-Journal of Health and Rehabilitation. 2024;2(2 (Health & Rehab)):459-67.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: No
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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.
Sabiha Arshad, M.Phill principal investigator
Riphah International University
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing Frenkels exercise with EMS and Conservative treatment in people with Stroke, run by Riphah International University.
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 8 inclusion and 4 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: opening soon, as of the sponsor's last update on 10 Jun 2026. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.
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?
Contact Imran Amjad, Phd (03324390215, imranamjad@riphah.edu.pk), or a site near the patient. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
The Berg Balance Scale (BBS) (time frame: Baseline and 8th week). 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 NCT07578779, which also lists 6 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 10 Jun 2026.