Mind over muscle: can mental exercises help stroke survivors move better?
NCT ID NCT06980181
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.
Disclaimer
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the original study
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Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.
This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
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Locations
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Paraplegic Center
Peshawar, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, 2500, Pakistan