Combining functional massage and eccentric exercise for stroke survivors

Effects of Functional Massage Combined With Eccentric Exercise on Muscle Tone and Motor Function of the Lower Limb in Patients With Chronic Stroke: A Pilot Randomized Clinical Trial

Not applicable Interventional Universitat Internacional de Catalunya · NCT06922149

This study is testing whether a mix of functional massage and special exercises can help stroke survivors with tight muscles improve their movement and recovery.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment8 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 95 Years
SexAll
SponsorUniversitat Internacional de Catalunya Academic / other
Locations1 site (Sant Cugat del Vallés, Barcelona)
Trial IDNCT06922149 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This intervention focuses on stroke survivors experiencing increased muscle tone due to spasticity. It combines functional massage therapy, which enhances muscle and joint function, with eccentric exercises aimed at improving physical recovery and managing spasticity. The study will analyze the effects of this combined approach on lower limb function in stroke survivors who are in the chronic phase of recovery. Participants will be assessed for their ability to follow instructions and complete scheduled visits as part of the treatment plan.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 and older who have experienced a stroke at least six months prior and have increased muscle tone in their lower extremities.

Not a fit: Patients who have not experienced a stroke or those with severe cognitive impairments may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly improve mobility and reduce spasticity in stroke survivors.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown positive outcomes with similar interventions combining massage and exercise for stroke rehabilitation.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

1. Both sexes ≥ 18 years of age.
2. Adults who have been diagnosed with an ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke, according to the diagnostic criteria established by the WHO; corresponding to ICD-11 in January 2022, as confirmed by CT or MRI
3. Stroke ≥ 6 months
4. Hospital discharge
5. Stable condition
6. Ability to understand and follow simple instructions
7. Ability to read, write and speak Spanish or Catalan with acceptable visual and auditory acuity
8. Living in the Barcelona metropolitan area
9. Able to comply with scheduled visits, treatment plan, and other trial procedures
10. Increased muscle tone in Lower Extremities (EEII) according to the modified Ashworth Scale (MAS) grade ≥ 1+ \<4 11) Voluntary activation capacity and muscle strength in Lower Extremities (EEII) according to Daniels Scale grade ≥ 3 12) Ability to walk 10 meters, without assistance from third parties. 13) Minimum grade of 7 in depression, 5 in anxiety and 10 in stress according to the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS-21).

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Nervous system disease and/or cardiac, pulmonary dysfunction/failure.
2. History of mental disorders and/or cognitive impairment that make it difficult or impossible to follow instructions ≤ 21 Folstein's Mini Mental Test (MMSE)
3. Hearing impairment
4. History of psychotropic drug use in the last 6 months
5. Consumption of drugs to reduce spasticity or having undergone botulinum toxin treatment in the last 3 months.

Where this trial is running

Sant Cugat del Vallés, Barcelona

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Strokestroke, eccentric exercises, functional massage, muscle tone
Last reviewed 2026-06-09 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.