Roods vs PNF for Upper Limb Function in Acute MCA Stroke

Brief Summary

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.