Extracorporeal shockwave therapy to improve upper limb function after stroke
Official title: Effectiveness of Extra-corporeal Shockwave Diathermy in the Management of Upper Limb Function Patients With Stroke: Randomized Controlled Trial.
Run by Gulf Medical University · NCT07520032 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years to 65 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 50 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Gulf Medical University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Ajman, Ajman Emirate) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | October 30, 2025 |
| Main results expected | February 28, 2027 |
| Study ends | March 30, 2027 |
| Registry record updated | September 24, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07520032 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a 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.
✕Probably 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.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
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.
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 gone: 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.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion 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 it's running
-
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
- Email: sharmieashak@gmail.com
- Phone: 067031555
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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.