Investigation of the efficacy of extracorporeal shock wave therapy in post-stroke patients on spasticity, functionality and range of motion: a randomized controlled trial

Abstract

Background & Objective: Spasticity is among the most frequent and most serious symptoms requiring treatment in stroke patients. The aim of this trial was to determine the effects of extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) on spasticity and upper extremity function in stroke patients.

Methods: A total of 48 stroke patients, each having experienced a stroke at least 6 months prior, were randomly assigned to two groups: the control group (n=24) and the ESWT group (n=24). Patients in the control group received only a conventional treatment program, while those in the ESWT group received radial ESWT (rESWT) in addition to the conventional treatment. Both groups underwent treatment sessions twice a week for two weeks. Spasticity severity, upper extremity functionality, and range of motion were evaluated both before and after treatment.

Results: Statistically significant improvements were observed in spasticity severity, upper extremity functionality, and range of motion values in both groups after treatment (p<0.05). However, the groups were not superior to each other (p>0.05).

Conclusion: Based on the results of the study, we concluded that adding rESWT to conventional treatment did not contribute to greater improvement in upper limb spasticity and functionality in stroke patients.