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ESTIM-UL: FES for Upper Limb Recovery After Stroke
Sponsor: University of Foggia
Summary
Stroke is a leading cause of long-term disability, frequently resulting in impaired upper limb motor function and spasticity. Although Botulinum Toxin Type A (BoNT-A) is effective in reducing focal spasticity, functional recovery of the upper limb often remains limited without intensive, task-specific rehabilitation. Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES), when synchronized with voluntary movement during Task-Oriented Training, may enhance motor recovery by facilitating muscle activation and neuroplasticity. This randomized controlled trial aims to evaluate whether FES combined with Task-Oriented Training is superior to conventional Task-Oriented Training alone in improving upper limb function in post-stroke patients treated with BoNT-A.
Official title: Efficacy of Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES) Combined With Task- Oriented Training on Upper Limb Recovery in Post-Stroke Patients With Spastic Hemiparesis: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Key Details
Gender
All
Age Range
18 Years - 80 Years
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Enrollment
40
Start Date
2026-05-01
Completion Date
2026-12-01
Last Updated
2026-04-07
Healthy Volunteers
No
Interventions
Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES)
Functional Electrical Stimulation is applied to wrist and finger extensor muscles of the paretic upper limb using a surface electrode system. Electrical stimulation is synchronized with the participant's voluntary movement attempts during Task-Oriented Training to facilitate active motor execution and sensorimotor integration. Stimulation is delivered during 60-minute rehabilitation sessions, 5 days per week for 2 consecutive weeks.
Conventional Rehabilitation
Conventional rehabilitation consists of therapist-assisted Task- Oriented Training of the paretic upper limb, including manual facilitation and guidance as needed to support task execution. No electrical stimulation is applied. Sessions last 60 minutes and are performed 5 days per week for 2 consecutive weeks.
Locations (1)
Università degli studi di Foggia
Foggia, Foggia, Italy