High-intensity laser therapy plus exercise for pain in hemiplegic shoulder after stroke
Official title: Effectiveness of High-Intensity Laser Therapy Combined With Exercise on Clinical and Ultrasonographic Outcomes in Patients With Hemiplegic Shoulder Pain
Run by Kutahya Health Sciences University · NCT07501416 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A randomized trial tests whether adding high-intensity laser therapy to exercise helps reduce shoulder pain and improve function in people who have hemiplegia after a stroke.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 30 Years to 75 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 60 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Kutahya Health Sciences University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Kütahya, Center) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | April 1, 2026 |
| Main results expected | December 30, 2026 |
| Study ends | January 30, 2027 |
| Registry record updated | August 27, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07501416 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Adults aged 30-75 with hemiplegic shoulder pain following a stroke within the past 6 months and a pain score of 3 or higher on the VAS.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients without significant pain relief or functional improvement during the study may not experience benefit.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This randomized, sham-controlled study compares high-intensity laser therapy (HILT) plus exercise to sham laser plus exercise in adults with hemiplegic shoulder pain after stroke. Participants receive 20 treatment sessions over 4 weeks, with outcomes assessed by blinded evaluators at baseline and week 4. The trial looks at pain, functional status, and disability, along with ultrasound findings. HILT is thought to have analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and regenerative effects.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, participants may experience less pain and better shoulder function after stroke.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research in similar pain conditions has shown mixed results; the efficacy of HILT in post-stroke shoulder pain is not yet established.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Age 30-75 years * Hemiplegic shoulder pain after stroke * Stroke within last 6 months * VAS ≥ 3 for pain * Medically stable Exclusion Criteria: * Neurological disorders (MS, Parkinson, etc.) * Recent shoulder surgery/injection * Botulinum toxin (last 6 months) * Malignancy * Pregnancy * Epilepsy or photosensitivity * Cognitive impairment
Where it's running
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Kutahya Health Sciences University
Kütahya, Center, Turkey (Türkiye) Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Fatima YAMAN, Assoc. Prof. — Kutahya Health Sciences University
- Study coordinator: Ali Cagtay Dayı, MD
- Email: alicagtay.dayi@ogr.ksbu.edu.tr
- Phone: 002742600043
Similar studies
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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.