Trial results comparing three different therapies for recovery of hand function after stroke were posted on ClinicalTrials.gov on 2026-03-03. The study aimed to determine if any one therapy was more effective than others, with the CCFES therapy group demonstrating the highest improvements in key measures like the Box and Blocks Test, with a least squares mean change of 5.1 blocks.
Background
Stroke is a common neurological event that often leads to significant motor impairments, including upper extremity paresis and hemiplegia, where individuals lose the ability to effectively use their affected hand. Current rehabilitation efforts focus on restoring lost function and improving quality of life. This study specifically investigated different therapeutic approaches to enhance hand function recovery after a stroke, addressing a critical need for effective rehabilitation strategies.
Trial design
This completed study enrolled 132 participants to compare the effects of three distinct therapies on hand function recovery. The conditions investigated included Stroke, Upper Extremity Paresis, and Hemiplegia. The trial compared three therapy groups: CCFES (Combined Constraint-Induced Movement Therapy with Functional Electrical Stimulation), cNMES (conventional Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation), and Task Oriented Training. The primary objective was to compare the effects of these therapies on recovery of hand function.
Key results
The trial reported least squares mean changes at 6 months post-treatment for several key outcome measures:
- Change in Box and Blocks Test (BBT) at 6 Months Post-Treatment:
- CCFES: 5.1 blocks
- cNMES: 4.2 blocks
- Task Oriented Training: 3.0 blocks
- Change in Upper Extremity Fugl Meyer (UEFM) at 6 Months Post-Treatment:
- CCFES: 8.1 units on a scale
- cNMES: 3.7 units on a scale
- Task Oriented Training: 4.4 units on a scale
- Change in Action Research Arm Test (ARAT) at 6 Months Post-Treatment:
- CCFES: 5.8 units on a scale
- cNMES: 4.8 units on a scale
- Task Oriented Training: 1.7 units on a scale
- Change in Stroke Upper Limb Capacity Scale (SULCS) at 6 Months Post-Treatment:
- CCFES: 1.2 units on a scale
- cNMES: 0.8 units on a scale
- Task Oriented Training: 1.0 units on a scale
What this means
The results suggest that among the three therapies evaluated, CCFES (Combined Constraint-Induced Movement Therapy with Functional Electrical Stimulation) generally led to greater improvements in several key measures of hand and upper extremity function after stroke. Specifically, CCFES showed the highest least squares mean changes in the Box and Blocks Test, Upper Extremity Fugl Meyer, and Action Research Arm Test. These findings indicate that CCFES may offer a more effective approach for clinicians and patients seeking to improve hand function recovery following a stroke, potentially leading to better functional outcomes for individuals experiencing upper extremity paresis or hemiplegia.
Source
The information for these trial results was obtained from ClinicalTrials.gov, a public database of clinical studies. The results for the study NCT03574623, titled "Therapies for Recovery of Hand Function After Stroke", were posted on 2026-03-03 on clinicaltrials.gov.