RecruitingNot ApplicableNCT07629011

Effects of Mental Imagery Training Combined With Task Oriented Training by EMG-Driven Soft Robotic Hand Stroke in Stroke

Sponsor

Riphah International University

Enrollment

40 participants

Start Date

Apr 1, 2026

Study Type

INTERVENTIONAL

Conditions

Stroke

Summary

This randomized controlled trial is to determine the effects of robotic hand training in improving upper limb motor function and coordination with and without mental imagery training in chronic stroke patients

Eligibility

Min Age: 18 YearsMax Age: 70 Years

Inclusion Criteria7

Participants clinically diagnosed with stroke in chronic stage (6 months after the onset of stroke) with a pure unilateral motor paresis after stroke.
-70 years of age.
Sufficient cognition to follow simple instructions and understand the content and purpose of study (MMSE score 28)
Able to sit up for at least 45 minutes.
Detectable residual signals from the affected side's Flexor digitorum (FD) and Extensor Digitorum (ED) muscles.
Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS) score of finger extensor less than or to 3
Ability to provide informed consent

Exclusion Criteria3

Patients with severe dysphasia with inadequate communication.
Any additional medical or psychological condition affecting their ability to comply with the study protocol.
History of other neurological disease or psychiatric disorders, including alcoholism and substance abuse

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Interventions

OTHERMental imagery training combined with Robotic hand training

Participants will receive combined training of robotic hand-assisted task practice and mental imagery training over 7 weeks, 3 sessions per week, totaling 20 sessions. Each session (\~60 minutes) conducted in a quiet room with the patient seated upright (hips, knees, ankles at 90°, forearms on table). Training involves real-life object handling tasks using three grip types: 1. Spherical grip (cricket ball - 109g, 75mm) 2. Tripod grip (woodblock - 74g, 50mm) 3. Tip pinch grip (small cube - 8g, 25mm) For each task (15 minutes), MIT duration will be 10 minutes 1. 2 repetitions - Watch task video (first-person view) 2. 5 repetitions - Imagine performing the task (eyes closed, paretic hand) 3. 3 repetitions - Perform the task with soft robotic hand assistance 4. The above sequence is repeated twice per task.

OTHERRobotic hand training

Each session included a 5-minute warm-up, followed by three 15-minute EMG-driven, robot-assisted task blocks and two 5-minute breaks. Robotic Hand Tasks include: Real-life object handling using three grip types: 1. Spherical grip - Cricket ball (109g, 75mm) 2. Tripod grip - Woodblock (74g, 50mm) 3. Tip pinch grip - Small cube (8g, 25mm) Muscle Monitoring: EMG signals recorded from flexor digitorum, extensor digitorum, biceps brachii, and triceps brachii. Maximum Voluntary Contraction assessed before each session; EMG activation threshold set at 3×SD above baseline. Training Activities will include: Grasping, lifting, holding, transporting, and releasing objects with robotic assistance and verbal guidance. Each 15-minute block included \~30-40 repetitions per task.