Using shock wave therapy to treat spastic equinus foot in stroke patients

Effects of Focused Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy on Spastic Equinus Foot in Stroke Patients: a Randomized Controlled Trial

Not applicable Interventional Fundación para el Fomento de la Investigación Sanitaria y Biomédica de la Comunitat Valenciana · NCT06547684

This study is testing whether one or three sessions of shock wave therapy can help stroke patients with tight calf muscles and improve their movement and quality of life.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment60 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorFundación para el Fomento de la Investigación Sanitaria y Biomédica de la Comunitat Valenciana Academic / other
Locations1 site (Vila-real, Castellon)
Trial IDNCT06547684 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study evaluates the long-term effects of focused extracorporeal shock wave therapy (fESWT) on spasticity in stroke patients with equinus foot. It involves a randomized controlled trial with 60 participants, who will be divided into two groups: one receiving 1 session of fESWT and the other receiving 3 sessions over three weeks. The therapy targets the gastrocnemius and soleus muscles, and outcomes will be measured using various scales to assess spasticity, mobility, and quality of life. The goal is to determine if multiple sessions provide better long-term benefits than a single session.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults over 18 years old who have experienced a stroke at least 6 months prior and have spastic equinus foot.

Not a fit: Patients with fixed ankle joint contractures, severe medical issues, or cognitive impairments may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this therapy could significantly improve mobility and quality of life for stroke patients suffering from spastic equinus foot.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown positive effects of extracorporeal shock wave therapy on spasticity, suggesting potential for success in this approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Age greater than 18 years old
* Time from stroke (ischemic o hemorrhagic) onset of at least 6 months
* Spastic equinus foot: triceps surae tone grade at least 1+ on the MAS score
* Ability to walk alone with or without aids

Exclusion Criteria:

* Fixed ankle joint contracture
* Severe medical problems
* Treatment of the affected leg with botulinum toxin in the las 6 months
* Cognitive impairment

Where this trial is running

Vila-real, Castellon

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 StrokeEquinus DeformitySpasticity, MuscleExtracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy
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.