Clinical Research Directory

Benson Relaxation for Anxiety and Depression After Stroke

This study tests whether Benson Relaxation Technique (BRT), a simple mind-body relaxation method, can help reduce anxiety and depression in patients who had an ischemic stroke 7-14 days ago. Patients will be randomly assigned to either the BRT group (receiving 20-minute relaxation sessions twice daily for 2 weeks) or a control group (receiving health education sessions of the same duration). We will measure anxiety and depression using standard questionnaires, and use near-infrared brain imaging to see if BRT changes brain activity in the prefrontal cortex. The goal is to find a safe, non-drug way to improve mood in early stroke recovery.

Effects of Robotic Rehabilitation on Quality of Life, Mood, and Fatigue After Stroke

Stroke is a major cause of long-term disability and is often associated with reduced quality of life, depression, anxiety, and fatigue. Rehabilitation plays a key role in recovery, and robotic-assisted gait training provides intensive, repetitive, and individualized therapy. However, its effects on psychological outcomes and quality of life are not fully established. This randomized controlled trial will compare conventional rehabilitation combined with robotic-assisted gait training to conventional rehabilitation combined with treadmill training in stroke survivors. Both groups will receive treatment 5 days per week for 6 weeks. Assessments will be conducted at baseline, after 6 weeks of treatment, and at 3 months after treatment. The primary outcome is quality of life. Secondary outcomes include depression, anxiety, and fatigue. The results of this study will provide new evidence on the benefits of robotic rehabilitation for improving both physical and psychological well-being after stroke.