Mechanism of Action of Focal Extracorporeal Shock Waves as a Treatment of Upper Limb Stroke Spasticity: a Pilot Study

Launched by ISTITUTO AUXOLOGICO ITALIANO · Mar 8, 2024

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is exploring a new treatment for spasticity in the arms that can occur after a stroke. Spasticity makes muscles stiff and can make daily activities like eating and dressing difficult and painful. The study is looking at a therapy called focal extracorporeal shock wave therapy, which uses sound waves to help improve muscle function. The researchers want to understand how these shock waves work—whether they change the physical properties of the muscles or affect how the nervous system controls the muscles.

To participate, individuals must be over 18 years old, have had their first stroke at least six months ago, and experience moderate spasticity in their arm muscles. They should not have received any botulinum toxin treatments in the past six months. During the trial, participants will receive shock wave therapy and may see improvements in muscle stiffness and movement. The study is currently recruiting and aims to provide more information on how this treatment can help those with stroke-related spasticity.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• • Inclusion criteria
• • age \> 18 years
• • first hemispheric stroke at least six months ago
• • spasticity of wrist and elbow flexors muscles with grade 1 to 3 of the Modified Ashworth Scal
• • no botulinum toxin injection in the previous six months
• • ability to give informed consent
• • Exclusion criteria
• • anticoagulant medicine
• • presence of a pacemaker, an implantable cardioverter defibrillator or other medical devices
• • active cancer
• • skin lesions at the site of shock wave administration
• • an major neurological disease in addition to the hemiparesis (e.g. spastic hemiparesis in a patient who had Parkinson's disease before their stroke).