Evaluating laser acupuncture for shoulder pain after stroke
Official title: To Evaluate the Therapeutic Effect of Laser Acupuncture in Patients With Acute or Subacute Post Stroke Shoulder Pain
Run by Chang Gung Memorial Hospital · NCT05328401 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing if laser acupuncture can help people with shoulder pain after a stroke feel better and improve their shoulder movement.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 20 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 58 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Chang Gung Memorial Hospital Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Keelung, Taiwan) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | April 16, 2022 |
| Main results expected | March 15, 2028 |
| Study ends | March 15, 2028 |
| Registry record updated | March 6, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT05328401 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are adults over 20 years old who are in the subacute or chronic phase of post-stroke recovery and experiencing shoulder pain.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with pre-existing shoulder pain before their stroke or those with acute shoulder trauma or surgery on the affected side will not benefit from this study.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This study aims to assess the effectiveness of laser acupuncture in alleviating shoulder pain and enhancing shoulder function recovery in patients who have experienced a stroke. It focuses on individuals suffering from post-stroke shoulder pain, a common complication that can significantly impact recovery. Participants will be divided into groups receiving either verum (active) laser acupuncture or sham (placebo) laser acupuncture to determine the therapeutic effects. The study will include patients in the subacute and chronic phases of recovery, ensuring they meet specific eligibility criteria.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this treatment could provide a non-invasive option for managing shoulder pain in stroke survivors, potentially improving their quality of life and recovery outcomes.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific application of laser acupuncture for post-stroke shoulder pain is novel, similar approaches using acupuncture for pain management have shown promise in other studies.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Beyond the age of 20. * Normal consciousness before and after stroke who can reply and fill in the questionnaire. * Subacute (subacute phase: 7 days to 6 months after stroke) and Chronic (chronic phase: more than 6 months after stroke) with shoulder pain after stroke and in post- stroke recovery period. * Stop taking painkillers for more than 1 day, * Without received intramuscular drugs (steroids, botulinum toxin, glucose, etc.) injections in the shoulder joint or around the shoulder for more than 2 weeks * Those willing to sign the written subject consent form. Exclusion Criteria: * Participants with shoulder pain symptoms before the stroke * Acute shoulder trauma on the affected side of shoulder pain in the past. * Surgery on the affected side of shoulder pain in the past. * Those who cannot complete the scale assessment due to aphasia, post-stroke depression, and obvious cognitive impairment. * Women who are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. * Those who have a history of epilepsy and are receiving anti-epileptic drug treatment. * Who are receiving any herbal or folk remedies related to shoulder pain. * Any other conditions deemed unsuitable in the assessment of the responsible physician. * Those who have not signed the written subject consent form.
Where it's running
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Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Keelung Medical Center
Keelung, Taiwan, Taiwan Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Yu Wei Chang
- Email: yahwehmax@cgmh.org.tw
- Phone: +886 975360678
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.