Hyaluronidase injections for muscle stiffness and spasticity

Peripheral Modulation of Muscle Stiffness and Spasticity

Phase 2 Interventional Johns Hopkins University · NCT03306615

This study is testing if hyaluronidase injections can help reduce muscle stiffness and improve movement in people who have had a stroke.

Quick facts

PhasePhase 2
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment56 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorJohns Hopkins University Academic / other
Locations1 site (Baltimore, Maryland)
Trial IDNCT03306615 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This Phase II trial investigates the effects of human recombinant hyaluronidase injections on upper limb muscle stiffness and spasticity in individuals who have experienced a stroke. The study involves 56 participants who will receive either the hyaluronidase treatment or a placebo in a randomized, double-blind manner. The primary outcomes include improvements in passive range of motion, muscle strength, and motor function, as well as reductions in muscle stiffness. Participants will receive both treatments by the end of the study, allowing for a comprehensive evaluation of the intervention's effects.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are individuals who have experienced an ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke 4-180 months prior and have moderately-severe muscle stiffness in their upper limb.

Not a fit: Patients currently receiving other spasticity treatments or those with significant cognitive dysfunction or other neurological conditions may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this treatment could significantly improve mobility and quality of life for patients with muscle stiffness and spasticity following a stroke.

How similar studies have performed: While the use of hyaluronidase for muscle stiffness is a novel approach, similar studies targeting muscle spasticity have shown promising results.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke 4-180 months prior
* Moderately-severe muscle stiffness
* Lack of full passive and active range of motion in at least 2/4 areas (shoulder, elbow, forearm, wrist) in the hemiparetic upper limb;
* Willingness to have MRI, complete all clinical assessments, and comply with study protocols;
* Ability to give informed consent and HIPPA certifications; and

Exclusion Criteria:

* treatment of spasticity with Botulinum toxin or intrathecal baclofen within the past six months, phenol injections within the past 12 months, or ongoing adjustment of anti-spastic medications;
* other neurologic condition that may affect motor response (e.g., Parkinson's disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), MS);
* clinically significant cognitive dysfunction with score \<19 on Folstein's Mini Mental Status Examination or depression with score \>10 on the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9);
* pregnancy;
* known hypersensitivity to hyaluronidase;
* claustrophobia;
* standard contraindications for MRI
* Any condition that will preclude the patient from completing the protocol as determined by the PI

Where this trial is running

Baltimore, Maryland

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 Muscle SpasticityMuscle StiffnessStrokeCerebral PalsyHyperreflexia
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.