Mind over movement: imagining exercises may boost stroke rehab

NCT ID NCT06877819

Completed Symptom relief Sponsor: Riphah International University Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 24, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study tested whether adding motor imagery—mentally practicing movements—to standard trunk control exercises helps stroke survivors improve posture, balance, and walking ability. Thirty people who had a stroke 3 to 6 months earlier took part. They did task-oriented trunk training plus conventional physiotherapy, with or without motor imagery guided by audio recordings. The goal was to see if imagining the movements first leads to better real-world recovery.

What this could mean

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

Active substance: motor imagery technique combined with task-oriented trunk control training
What this could lead to: If effective, this approach could offer a simple, low-cost addition to stroke rehabilitation to help patients regain better balance and movement.
What could go wrong: This is a small, completed trial with only 30 participants. Results may not apply to all stroke patients, and the benefits may be modest or not clinically significant.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

stroke disorder

As listed by the trial registrant

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

STROKE

Contacts and locations

Locations

National Institute of Rehab Medicine, Nijaat Ambulance & Old Age Home

Islamabad, Punjab Province, 44080, Pakistan

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