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StrokeESWT-STROKENCT07523243

Effect of Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy on Spasticity and Mobility in Stroke Patients

A study testing Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy (ESWT) in people with Stroke and Post-Stroke Spasticity, run by Istanbul Medipol University Hospital at 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye).

Completed

Finished. The study has ended and is not enrolling. Results may be posted on the official record.

Official record
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Trial summary

This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) in individuals with lower limb spasticity following stroke. Spasticity is a common complication after stroke and can negatively affect walking ability, mobility, and quality of life. Read more about this study

Who is it for?
Ages 18 to 80 years
What is being tested?
Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy (ESWT)
Type of treatment
Medical device
Could I receive a placebo?
Yes, some participants may receive a placebo
How many people
85 participants
Where
1 siteTurkey (Türkiye)
Study dates
10 Apr 2026to 20 Jun 2026
Phase
Interventional
Are there results?
None posted in the registry

Key requirements

Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.

  • Ages 18 to 80 years
  • All sexes
  • No healthy volunteers
  • Adult, Older adult

Who may be able to join

  • Adults aged 18-80 years
  • Diagnosed with ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke at least 3 months prior to enrollment Presence of lower extremity spasticity with a Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS) score ≥1+
  • Ability to walk independently with or without assistive devices
  • Ability to understand and follow instructions for exercise interventions and assessments
  • Provided written informed consent

Who cannot join

  • Receipt of botulinum toxin injection in the affected lower limb within the last 3 months
  • Severe cognitive impairment preventing participation in assessments
  • Presence of fixed joint contractures limiting range of motion
  • Orthopedic or musculoskeletal disorders affecting lower limb function (e.g., fracture, severe osteoarthritis)
  • Uncontrolled cardiovascular, respiratory, or systemic disease contraindicating exercise
  • Participation in another interventional clinical trial
  • Any condition judged by the investigator to interfere with participation or safety

Trial locations and contacts

1 site in 1 country.

Turkey (Türkiye)1 site
  • Mehmet Salih Tan

    Istanbul

Other trials in Turkey (Türkiye)

About this study

Official title: Efficacy of Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy on Spasticity, Mobility, Motor Function, and Health-Related Quality of Life in Stroke Survivors: A Prospective Randomized Sham-Controlled Trial

This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) in individuals with lower limb spasticity following stroke. Spasticity is a common complication after stroke and can negatively affect walking ability, mobility, and quality of life.

Participants will be randomly assigned to one of two groups. Both groups will receive a standard physiotherapy and rehabilitation program. In addition, the intervention group will receive ESWT applied to the lower limb muscles, while the control group will receive a sham (placebo) ESWT application.

Read more

The treatment program will be conducted three times per week for four weeks. Clinical assessments will be performed at baseline, after treatment, and during follow-up.

The main outcomes of the study include muscle tone (spasticity), walking performance, motor function, and quality of life. The results of this study may help improve rehabilitation strategies and provide evidence for the use of ESWT in stroke patients.

Read the detailed description

Stroke is one of the leading causes of long-term disability worldwide and is frequently associated with motor impairments, including spasticity. Post-stroke spasticity is characterized by increased muscle tone, exaggerated tendon reflexes, and resistance to passive movement, which can significantly impair functional mobility, gait performance, and independence in daily activities. Lower limb spasticity, particularly involving the plantar flexor muscles, plays a critical role in limiting walking ability and increasing the risk of falls.

Conventional treatment approaches for spasticity include physiotherapy interventions, oral medications, and botulinum toxin injections. However, these methods may have limited effectiveness, potential side effects, or high costs. Therefore, there is a need for alternative, non-invasive, and effective treatment options.

Extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) has recently emerged as a promising non-invasive modality for the management of spasticity. ESWT is thought to reduce muscle tone by altering muscle viscoelastic properties, modulating neuromuscular transmission, and improving local blood circulation. Previous studies have suggested beneficial effects of ESWT on spasticity; however, evidence regarding its impact on functional outcomes such as gait performance and quality of life remains limited and inconsistent.

This study is designed as a prospective, randomized, single-blind, sham-controlled clinical trial conducted at a tertiary rehabilitation center. A total of 85 participants with chronic stroke (≥3 months) and lower extremity spasticity (Modified Ashworth Scale ≥1+) will be recruited. Participants will be randomly assigned to either the ESWT group or the control group using a block randomization method.

The intervention group will receive radial ESWT applied to the gastrocnemius and soleus muscles in addition to a standard physiotherapy program. The ESWT parameters will include an energy flux density of 0.10-0.20 mJ/mm², frequency of 5-8 Hz, and 2000-3000 pulses per muscle, administered three times per week for four weeks. The control group will receive sham ESWT with identical procedures but without therapeutic energy delivery. Both groups will undergo a standardized rehabilitation program consisting of stretching, strengthening, balance training, and gait training.

Outcome measures will be assessed at baseline, post-treatment (4 weeks), and follow-up (8 weeks). The primary outcome is spasticity measured by the Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS). Secondary outcomes include walking performance assessed by the 10-Meter Walk Test (10MWT) and Timed Up and Go (TUG) test, motor function assessed by the Fugl-Meyer Assessment for the lower extremity (FMA-LE), and health-related quality of life assessed by the Stroke-Specific Quality of Life (SS-QOL) scale.

The findings of this study are expected to provide high-quality evidence regarding the clinical effectiveness of ESWT in reducing spasticity and improving functional outcomes in stroke survivors. This may contribute to the development of more effective and evidence-based rehabilitation strategies.

Being tested
Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy (ESWT), Sham Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy
Keywords
Extracorporeal Shock Wave, ESWT Stroke Rehabilitation, Mobility Fugl-Meyer, Quality of Life, Spasticity
Medical subject headings
Stroke, Muscle Spasticity

What participants receive

What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.

  • Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy (ESWT)Device

    Radial extracorporeal shock wave therapy will be applied with an energy flux density of 0.10-0.20 mJ/mm², frequency of 5-8 Hz, and 2000-3000 pulses per muscle. Treatment will be administered three times per week for four weeks.

  • Sham Extracorporeal Shock Wave TherapyDevice

    A sham ESWT procedure will be performed using the same device without energy transmission, mimicking the sound and sensation of treatment.

Study groups in NCT07523243
Study groupRoleWhat they receive
ESWT GroupExperimentalParticipants in this group will receive extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) applied to the gastrocnemius and soleus muscles in addition to a standard physiotherapy program including stretching, strengthening, balance, and gait training.
Receives: Device: Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy (ESWT)
Control Group (Sham ESWT)Sham comparatorParticipants in this group will receive sham ESWT with no therapeutic energy delivery in addition to the same standard physiotherapy program.
Receives: Device: Sham Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy

What is being measured

The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.

  1. Change in Spasticity Assessed by Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS)

    Spasticity will be assessed using the Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS), a 6-point ordinal scale ranging from 0 (no increase in muscle tone) to 4 (rigidity). The assessment will be performed on the ankle plantar flexor muscles. A decrease in MAS score indicates improvement in spasticity.

    Spasticity will be assessed using the Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS), a 6-point ordinal scale ranging from 0 to 4, where:

    0 = No increase in muscle tone

    1 = Slight increase in muscle tone

    1+ = Minimal resistance through less than half of the range 2 = More marked increase in tone 3 = Considerable increase in tone 4 = Rigid in flexion or extension The assessment will be performed on the ankle plantar flexor muscles. Higher scores indicate greater spasticity (worse outcome), while lower scores indicate improvement.

    Measured: Baseline, 4 weeks (post-treatment)

Secondary outcomes (5)
  1. Change in Walking Speed Assessed by 10-Meter Walk Test (10MWT)

    The 10MWT measures walking speed over a short distance. Participants will be instructed to walk at a comfortable pace, and time will be recorded in seconds. Lower times indicate improved walking performance.

    Walking speed will be assessed using the 10-Meter Walk Test (10MWT). Participants will walk a 10-meter distance at a comfortable pace. Time will be recorded in seconds.

    There is no fixed minimum or maximum score; lower time indicates better walking performance.

    Measured: Baseline, 4 weeks

  2. Change in Functional Mobility Assessed by Timed Up and Go Test (TUG)

    The TUG test evaluates functional mobility. Participants will stand up from a chair, walk 3 meters, turn, walk back, and sit down. The time to complete the task will be recorded in seconds. Lower times indicate better mobility.

    Functional mobility will be assessed using the Timed Up and Go Test (TUG). Time (seconds) required to stand up, walk 3 meters, turn, return, and sit down will be recorded.

    There is no fixed minimum or maximum score; lower time indicates better mobility.

    Measured: Baseline, 4 weeks

  3. Change in Motor Function Assessed by Fugl-Meyer Assessment - Lower Extremity (FMA-LE)

    The FMA-LE assesses motor recovery after stroke, including reflexes, movement coordination, and voluntary control. Scores range from 0 to 34, with higher scores indicating better motor function.

    Motor function will be assessed using the Fugl-Meyer Assessment for Lower Extremity (FMA-LE).

    The total score ranges from 0 to 34, with:

    0 = Severe impairment 34 = Normal motor function Higher scores indicate better motor function (better outcome).

    Measured: Baseline, 4 weeks

  4. Change in Functional Exercise Capacity Assessed by 6-Minute Walk Test (6MWT)

    The 6MWT measures the distance a participant can walk in six minutes. It reflects functional exercise capacity and endurance. Greater distances indicate better performance.

    Functional capacity will be assessed using the 6-Minute Walk Test (6MWT). Total walking distance (meters) in 6 minutes will be recorded. There is no fixed maximum; higher distance indicates better functional capacity.

    Measured: Baseline, 4 weeks

  5. Change in Health-Related Quality of Life Assessed by Stroke-Specific Quality of Life Scale (SS-QOL)

    The SS-QOL is a stroke-specific questionnaire assessing multiple domains including mobility, self-care, mood, and social participation. Higher scores indicate better quality of life.

    Quality of life will be assessed using the Stroke-Specific Quality of Life Scale (SS-QOL).

    The scale ranges from approximately 49 to 245, depending on scoring method. Higher scores indicate better quality of life (better outcome).

    Measured: Baseline, 4 weeks

Timeline

From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.

  1. First posted13 Apr 2026
  2. Study start10 Apr 2026
  3. Primary completion30 Apr 2026
  4. Study completion20 Jun 2026

Resources

More details

For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.

Study design
Study type
Interventional
Phase
Phase N/A
Primary purpose
Treatment
Allocation
Randomised
Intervention model
Parallel groups
Model description
Participants will be randomly assigned to one of two parallel groups: an intervention group receiving extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) in addition to standard physiotherapy, and a control group receiving sham ESWT along with the same physiotherapy program. Outcomes will be compared between groups over time.
Masking
Single blind
Who is masked
Participant
Enrolment
85 participants (actual)
IDs, dates and publications
ClinicalTrials.gov ID
NCT07523243
Sponsor's protocol ID
IMU-2026
Other IDs
IMU-2026 -STROKE
Acronym
ESWT-STROKE
Status last verified
Jan 2026
First submitted
4 Apr 2026
Last updated
28 Oct 2026
Results posted
No
Data monitoring committee
No
FDA-regulated drug
No
FDA-regulated device
No
Individual data sharing
Yes: IPD Sharing Description: De-identified individual participant data (IPD) collected during this study, including demographic information, clinical assessments, and outcome measures (Modified Ashworth Scale, Fugl-Meyer Assessment, Timed Up and Go, 10-Meter Walk Test, 6-Minute Walk Test, and Stroke-Specific Quality of Life scores), will be made available to qualified researchers for secondary analyses. Data sharing will be subject to a signed data use agreement to ensure confidentiality and compliance with ethical standards. Data will be accessible after publication of the primary study results or upon reasonable request, and will include a data dictionary and study protocol to facilitate proper interpretation.

Questions about this trial

What is this clinical trial studying?

A study testing Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy (ESWT) in people with Stroke and Post-Stroke Spasticity, run by Istanbul Medipol University Hospital at 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye).

The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.

Who may be eligible to take part?

The sponsor lists 5 inclusion and 7 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.

Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?

The record says: finished, as of the sponsor's last update on 28 Oct 2026. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.

Where is the study taking place?

The record lists 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye). Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.

What are the possible benefits and risks?

They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. Some participants in this study may receive a placebo. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.

Are results available for this study?

The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.

How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?

The record lists no contact. The official record names the sponsor, who can be asked directly. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.

What does the primary outcome measure?

Change in Spasticity Assessed by Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS) (time frame: Baseline, 4 weeks (post-treatment)). It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.

Where can I read the original study information?
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?

No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.

How often is this information updated?

AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 28 Oct 2026.

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