Efficacy of Shock Wave Therapy in Post-Stroke Muscle Spasticity Management

Launched by UNIVERSITY OF OVIEDO · Feb 5, 2025

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is investigating a treatment called shock wave therapy (SWT) to see if it can help reduce muscle tightness, known as spasticity, in people who have had a stroke. The researchers want to find out if SWT can make it easier for these patients to move their joints and improve their overall quality of life. They will compare the results of SWT with traditional treatments for muscle spasticity to see which is more effective and whether there are any side effects from the therapy.

To participate, you need to be at least 18 years old and have had a stroke at least six months ago, along with some muscle spasticity. Participants will receive SWT sessions once a week for eight weeks and will also attend follow-up visits to check their progress. They will fill out questionnaires to understand how the treatment affects their daily lives. It's important to know that some individuals, such as those with severe spasticity or certain medical conditions, may not be eligible for this trial. If you're interested, it could be a valuable opportunity to explore a new treatment option for managing post-stroke muscle spasticity.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• "Inclusion Criteria":
• • Adults aged 18 years or older.
• • Confirmed diagnosis of stroke (ischemic or hemorrhagic) at least 6 months prior to enrollment.
• • Clinically diagnosed muscle spasticity, measured by the Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS), with a score of 0 to 3.
• • Stable medical condition that permits participation in the intervention.
• • No significant changes in spasticity-related treatment for at least 3 months prior to the study.
• • Ability to provide written informed consent to participate in the study.
• • Ability to attend weekly sessions and follow-up visits as required.
• "Exclusion Criteria":
• • Severe spasticity or contractures unresponsive to prior treatments.
• * Contraindications to Shock Wave Therapy, including:
• • Local infections in the treatment area.
• • Known or suspected malignancy near the treatment site.
• • Severe bleeding disorders or anticoagulation therapy.
• • Pregnancy.
• • Neurological conditions other than stroke that could interfere with study outcomes (e.g., Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis).
• * Recent treatments that might interfere with spasticity assessment, including:
• • Injections of botulinum toxin within the past 6 months.
• • Recent surgery or other interventions targeting spasticity.
• • Cognitive impairment or other conditions preventing the participant from following instructions or completing study tasks.
• • Severe cardiovascular, renal, or hepatic disease that might complicate therapy or participation.
• • Inability to commit to follow-up visits or complete the intervention protocol due to logistical, mobility, or health-related issues.