The aim of this study is to examine the effect of passive range of motion exercise in the acute phase of stroke on motor function of the patients. In this randomized controlled trial, patients with stroke who are recruited based on inclusion criteria, are randomly allocated to experimental and control group using closed envelops each of which includes a group name. Inclusion criteria would be ischemic stroke diagnosis, no longer than 6 hours of the stroke onset, score 14-16 based on FOUR criteria, NIHSS 5-42, Age 18-80 years old, Vital signs within normal range; and exclusion criteria would be past history of stroke, fracture or orthopedic disorder in extremities, acute coronary syndrome, heart and respiratory failure, life threatening condition, history of neurologic dysfunction, patients death, intervention sessions less than 6, activity intolerance, patient discharge before intervention termination, and clinical instability within the first 48 hours of intervention.
In experimental group, passive range of motion for involved extremities will be implemented within the first 48 hours of strike onset by the researcher. Before intervention, and one month and three months after intervention termination, motor function of the experimental and control group will be measured by Muscle Strength Scale and the measurements will be compared by statistical tests. The person who measures dependent variable would be blind to the study.