Using shock wave therapy to treat spasticity in stroke patients
Effects of Extracorporeal Shock Wave for Upper Limb Flexor Spasticity in Stroke Patients: A Randomized Controlled Trial
This study tests if shock wave therapy can help stroke patients with tight muscles in their arms feel better and improve their daily activities.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 40 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | National Taiwan University Hospital Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Taipei, Taipei) |
| Trial ID | NCT06365476 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This research evaluates the effectiveness of focused Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy (ESWT) on upper limb spasticity in patients who have suffered a stroke. Participants are randomly assigned to either receive targeted ESWT on their forearm flexor muscles or a placebo treatment that mimics the therapy. The treatment is administered twice weekly over two weeks, with various assessments conducted before, and at multiple intervals after the therapy to measure improvements in muscle function, pain levels, and daily living activities.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 and older who have experienced a unilateral stroke and exhibit spasticity in their wrist and finger flexor muscles.
Not a fit: Patients with a history of multiple strokes, other central nervous system disorders, or those who have recently undergone similar therapies may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this therapy could significantly improve upper limb function and quality of life for stroke survivors with spasticity.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown promise for shock wave therapy in treating spasticity, suggesting potential for success in this approach.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Individuals aged 18 years or older with unilateral cerebral stroke. * Wrist and finger flexor muscle tone with a score greater than 1 on the Modified Ashworth Scale. * Stable medical condition and vital signs. * Conscious and able to comply with instructions. Exclusion Criteria: * History of more than one stroke, traumatic brain injury, or cerebral neoplasm. * Coexisting central nervous system disorders (e.g., spinal cord injury, Parkinson's disease) or other musculoskeletal diseases affecting muscle tone assessment. * Contraindications for shockwave intervention, such as malignancies, coagulopathies, local infections, or use of cardiac pacemakers. * Undergone shockwave therapy or botulinum toxin injections for post-stroke spasticity in the past three months. * Cognitive, consciousness, or language impairments preventing participation in the intervention or functional assessments.
Where this trial is running
Taipei, Taipei
- Department of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation , National Taiwan University Hospital — Taipei, Taipei, Taiwan (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Shu-mei Yang, MD — National Taiwan University Hospital
- Study coordinator: Shu-mei Yang, MD
- Email: b99401109@gmail.com
- Phone: 886-0972653754
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.