Extracorporeal shockwave therapy to improve upper limb function after stroke

Effectiveness of Extra-corporeal Shockwave Diathermy in the Management of Upper Limb Function Patients With Stroke: Randomized Controlled Trial.

This trial will try extracorporeal shockwave therapy alongside rehabilitation to see if it reduces arm spasticity and improves hand and arm function in adults six months after their first stroke.

Quick facts

• Phase: NA
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 50 (estimated)
• Ages: 18 Years to 65 Years
• Sex: All
• Sponsor: Gulf Medical University (other)
• Locations: 1 site (Ajman, Ajman Emirate)
• Trial ID: NCT07520032 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

Adults aged 25–65 who had a first stroke about six months earlier and have moderate upper‑limb spasticity (Modified Ashworth Scale 1–4) are enrolled. Participants receive extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) sessions in addition to standard rehabilitation including stretching, mobility, strengthening, and functional training, with treatments delivered at Gulf Medical University in Ajman. The trial measures changes in spasticity, upper‑limb function, and safety/tolerability over the treatment period. Key exclusions include recurrent stroke, severe contractures or deformities, chronic pain affecting the arm, pacemakers, active infections, and malignancy.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults 25–65 years old who had their first stroke about six months ago, can follow verbal instructions, and have a Modified Ashworth Scale score between 1 and 4.

Not a fit: Patients with recurrent stroke, severe upper‑limb contractures or deformities, chronic arm pain, pacemakers, active infections, or cancer are either excluded or unlikely to benefit from this intervention.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, the approach could reduce spasticity and improve arm and hand function, making everyday tasks easier for stroke survivors.

How similar studies have performed: Previous clinical reports and small trials suggest ESWT can reduce post‑stroke spasticity and is generally safe, but standardized dosing and long‑term functional benefit remain incompletely established.

Eligibility criteria

Inclusion criteria:

1. Diagnosed as 1st stroke incidence 6 months back
2. Both male and female
3. Age 25 to 65 years
4. the ability to follow verbal instructions
5. Modified Ashworth Scale score 1-4

Exclusion criteria:

1. Recurrent stroke.
2. Severe contractures or deformities of upper extremity.
3. Chronic pain affecting upper extremity function.
4. malignant tumor, pacemakers, infection

Where this trial is running

Ajman, Ajman Emirate

• Gulf Medical University — Ajman, Ajman Emirate, United Arab Emirates (RECRUITING)

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Sharmila banu Ali, DPT/MPT — Thumbay Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Hospital
• Study coordinator: Sharmila banu Ali, DPT

Conditions: Stroke, upperlimb funciton, extracarporal shockwave therapy