Radiofrequency (TECAR) versus ultrasound therapy for shoulder pain after stroke
Comparison Between Radiofrequency and Ultrasound on Shoulder Pain, Range of Motion, and Functional Outcomes in Patients With Stroke
NA · Cairo University · NCT07131943
We will test whether radiofrequency (TECAR) or therapeutic ultrasound, together with a physical therapy program, reduces shoulder pain and improves movement and function in adults about three months after stroke.
Quick facts
| Phase | NA |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 45 (estimated) |
| Ages | 30 Years to 60 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Cairo University (other) |
| Locations | 1 site (Gamasa) |
| Trial ID | NCT07131943 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This comparative interventional trial will enroll 45 adults with hemiplegic shoulder pain about three months after a single stroke to receive either radiofrequency (TECAR) therapy or therapeutic ultrasound alongside a standardized physical therapy program. Outcomes measured before and after treatment include pain (Numerical Rating Scale and algometer), shoulder range of motion (digital goniometer), and functional disability (SPADI, Arabic-validated version). Eligibility includes ages roughly 30–60, Modified Ashworth Scale score of 1/1+ at the shoulder, Brunnstrom stage 2 or above, and Mini‑Mental State Examination score >24, while major exclusions include bilateral adhesive capsulitis, full rotator cuff tears, recent shoulder surgery, major systemic disease, or coagulation disorders. The trial is conducted by Cairo University in collaboration with Delta University and treatments take place at the Faculty of Physical Therapy, Delta University (Gamasa).
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Adults about three months after a single stroke with hemiplegic shoulder pain, mild spasticity (MAS 1/1+), Brunnstrom stage ≥2, and intact cognition (MMSE >24) are ideal candidates.
Not a fit: People with bilateral adhesive capsulitis, full rotator cuff tears, recent shoulder surgery, major systemic illnesses, or significant cognitive impairment are unlikely to qualify or benefit from this protocol.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the better-performing modality could reduce shoulder pain and improve arm movement and daily function for stroke survivors with hemiplegic shoulder pain.
How similar studies have performed: Prior studies of TECAR and therapeutic ultrasound for musculoskeletal shoulder pain show mixed but sometimes modest short-term pain relief, while high-quality evidence specifically in post‑stroke hemiplegic shoulder pain is limited.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Fourty-five hemiplegic patients with shoulder pain post- stroke from both sexes will participate in this study. * The patients will be older than 18 years old (30-60 years old) * The presence of sub-acute shoulder pain (more than 3 months). * Sub-acute stroke survivors (3 months post-stroke). * score of 1\|1+ points on the Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS) on shoulder joint. * Stage 2 or above according to Brunnstrom function assessment of shoulder joint * All conducted patients experienced a single stroke during the last 3 months with cognitive capacity that will enable them to comprehend and follow the instructions (Mini-Mental Scale score \> 24). Exclusion Criteria: * The following patients will be excluded from the study patients with: * Bilateral adhesive capsulitis * Systemic diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, malignancies, heart diseases, infections, coagulation disorders, full rotator cuff tears * A history of recent shoulder surgery, neurological problems involving the upper extremity, shoulder joint osteoarthritis * Upper extremity fractures, cervical radiculopathy * Impaired sensation, having a heart pacemaker, pregnancy * Injuries in the upper limbs * Other neurological diseases or cancer * Osteosynthesis material or pacemaker * Botulinum toxin or antispastic treatment 3 months prior to studying. * Any contraindication to massage and Tecar as skin infections, inflammatory vascular diseases, or acute inflammation.
Where this trial is running
Gamasa
- Faculty of Physical Therapy Delta University — Gamasa, Egypt (RECRUITING)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Rewan M Aloush
- Email: rewan.aloush@gmail.com
- Phone: +201024232512
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions: Stroke, Stroke in Patients: New Tool to Evaluate the Impact in Their Life, Hemiplegia, TECAR, Radiofrequency, Shoulder Pain