Goal Attainment Scaling in Upper Limb Spasticity Treatment

Launched by UNIVERSITY REHABILITATION INSTITUTE, REPUBLIC OF SLOVENIA · Jul 14, 2021

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying how well a treatment called botulinum toxin-A (BTX-A) can help patients who have had a stroke and experience tightness or stiffness in their arm muscles, known as upper limb spasticity. The trial has two parts: first, researchers will assess each patient's motor skills and set specific goals for improvement before and two weeks after receiving the BTX-A treatment. In the second part, patients will be divided into two groups. One group will follow a structured exercise program, while the other group will exercise as they prefer. The goal is to see how these different approaches to exercise affect the patients' quality of life.

To be eligible for this trial, participants must be aged 65 to 74, have had either an ischemic (blockage in blood flow) or hemorrhagic (bleeding in the brain) stroke, and have at least some muscle stiffness in their arms. They also need to be able to understand and cooperate with the study's goals. Patients who have severe speech difficulties or other serious health issues that might interfere with the results will not be included. Those who join the study can expect to receive support and guidance throughout the process as they work towards improving their arm function and overall well-being.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • patient's or caregiver's approval
• • ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke diagnosed using head CT/MRI
• • at least one upper limb muscle spasticity (MAS ≥ 3)
• • candidate for BTX-A treatment or already given BTX-A in the past
• • patient's or caregiver's capability for goal attainment protocol cooperation (Mini Mental Examination ≥ 24 points)
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • aphasic patients without caregiver's presence
• • other neurological or musculoskeletal diseases that could affect the treatment outcome