Roods vs PNF for Upper Limb Function in Acute MCA Stroke

N/AEnrolling By InvitationNCT07616622

University of Faisalabad28 enrolled

Overview

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.

This is a single-blind, parallel-group randomized controlled trial. The study will be conducted at three settings in Faisalabad, Pakistan: Allied Hospital, Madinah Teaching Hospital, and Shahid Heera's Health Clinic. Adult patients (≥18 years) with CT or MRI-confirmed MCA stroke (ischemic or hemorrhagic), mild to moderate upper limb motor dysfunction (MRC ≥2), and cognitive competence (MoCA ≥19) will be included. Exclusion criteria include severe comorbidities, fixed contractures, severe cognitive impairment, skin contraindications to sensory stimulation, and inability to provide consent. A sample size of 28 participants (14 per group) was calculated using Rao soft app based on previous literature. Participants will be randomly assigned using a computer-generated sequence. The single-blind design keeps participants unaware of group allocation. Group A receives NMES followed by Rood's facilitatory techniques: quick stretch before or during movement to activate muscle spindles, tactile stimulation (light stroking) over the muscle belly for 10-20 seconds, and icing for 5-7 seconds on the tendon or muscle surface immediately preceding activation. Group B receives NMES followed by PNF sequential training using conventional upper limb diagonal functional patterns (D1 and D2). PNF techniques include rhythmic initiation, dynamic reversals, repetitive contractions, and combination of isotonic contractions with moderate resistance, performing 8-12 repetitions per pattern over 20-30 minutes per session. NMES parameters: biphasic waveform at 30-40Hz frequency with pulse duration of 200-300μs, producing comfortable visible contraction, administered for 30 minutes per session. Both groups receive interventions three times per week for eight weeks. Outcome measures: Fugl-Meyer Assessment for Upper Extremity (FMA-UE, score range 0-66) measures motor function; Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS, score range 0-4) measures muscle tone. Assessments are conducted at baseline and post-intervention by a qualified physiotherapist. Data will be analyzed using SPSS version 22.

Interventions

Neuromuscular Electrical StimulationDEVICE

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 TechniquesPROCEDURE

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 FacilitationPROCEDURE

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.

Eligibility

Sex: ALLMin age: 40 YearsMax age: 60 Years

Medical Language ↔ Plain English

Inclusion Criteria: * Adults (40-60 years) with confirmed MCA stroke (ischemic or hemorrhagic) on neuroimaging (CT or MRI) * Mild to moderate upper limb motor dysfunction with MRC ≥2 for proximal limb motor strength * Cognitive competence to understand instructions (MoCA ≥19 or equivalent) * First stroke, acute or subacute phase * Willingness to provide written informed consent * Both male and female genders Exclusion Criteria: * Severe coexisting medical disorders (heart, liver, kidney failure; malignant tumors) * Fixed musculoskeletal abnormalities or contracture in affected upper limb * Severe cognitive impairment or aphasia preventing adherence or consent (MMSE below threshold) * Skin sores, ulcers, or hypersensitivity (e.g., to cold) contraindicated for sensory stimulation * Refusal or inability to give informed consent

Outcomes

Primary Outcomes

Upper Limb Motor Function

Fugl-Meyer Assessment for Upper Extremity (FMA-UE). A standardized 66-point scale assessing motor recovery after stroke based on Brunnstrom stages. Evaluates shoulder, elbow, wrist, hand, and coordination functions. Higher scores indicate better motor function.

Time frame: Baseline and 8 weeks (post-intervention)

Secondary Outcomes

Muscle Tone

Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS). A 5-point scale (0-4) measuring resistance during passive stretching of the affected upper limb muscles. 0 = normal tone; 4 = rigidity. Assesses spasticity reduction.