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Roods vs PNF for Upper Limb Function in Acute MCA Stroke
Sponsor: University of Faisalabad
Summary
Middle cerebral artery (MCA) stroke often causes weakness or stiffness in the arm and hand, making daily activities difficult. This study compares two physical therapy approaches - Rood's facilitatory techniques (using touch, quick stretch, and ice to activate muscles) and PNF sequential patterns (using diagonal movement patterns) - to improve arm function in acute stroke patients. Both groups will also receive neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES). A total of 28 patients will be randomly assigned to one of two groups and receive treatment three times per week for eight weeks. Arm function will be measured using the Fugl-Meyer Assessment, and muscle stiffness will be measured using the Modified Ashworth Scale before and after treatment.
Official title: Comparison Between Roods Facilitatory Techniques and Sequential PNF Pattern on Upper Limb Function in Acute Phase of Middle Cerebral Artery Stroke Patients
Key Details
Gender
All
Age Range
40 Years - 60 Years
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Enrollment
28
Start Date
2026-01-01
Completion Date
2026-07-15
Last Updated
2026-06-01
Healthy Volunteers
No
Conditions
Interventions
Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation
Biphasic waveform NMES at 30-40Hz frequency with pulse duration of 200-300μs, producing comfortable but visible muscle contraction. Applied to affected upper limb for 30 minutes per session, three times per week for eight weeks.
Rood's Facilitatory Techniques
Quick stretch applied before or during movement to activate muscle spindles; tactile stimulation (light stroking) over muscle belly for 10-20 seconds; icing for 5-7 seconds on tendon or muscle surface immediately preceding activation. Applied three times per week for eight weeks following NMES.
Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation
PNF sequential training with upper limb diagonal functional patterns (D1 and D2). Techniques include rhythmic initiation, dynamic reversals, repetitive contractions, and combination of isotonic contractions with moderate resistance according to patient's capabilities. Each session includes 8-12 repetitions per pattern over 20-30 minutes, three times per week for eight weeks.
Locations (1)
The University of Faisalabad
Faisalābad, Punjab Province, Pakistan