Mind over muscle: can mental exercises help stroke survivors move better?

NCT ID NCT06980181

Completed Symptom relief Sponsor: Elite College of Management Sciences, Gujranwala, Pakistan Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026

Summary

This study tested two non-drug therapies—graded motor imagery (mental rehearsal) and mirror therapy (using a mirror to trick the brain)—in 44 chronic stroke patients aged 45 to 65. The goal was to see which better reduces muscle spasticity and improves independence. Both therapies involve short daily sessions and no physical movement at first, making them safe and easy to try at home.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: graded motor imagery and mirror therapy
What this could lead to: If successful, this could point toward simple, drug-free exercises to help stroke survivors move more easily and feel less muscle tightness.
What could go wrong: This is a small, completed trial with only 44 participants, so results may not apply to all stroke survivors. The therapies are short-term and may not produce lasting improvements.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

hypertensive disorder speech disorder stroke disorder

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

STROKE

Contacts and locations

Locations

Paraplegic Center

Peshawar, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, 2500, Pakistan

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