NCT06357949

The Effectiveness of High-intensity Laser Therapy on Plantar Flexor Muscle Spasticity in Stroke Patients

The Effectiveness of High-intensity Laser Therapy on Plantar Flexor Muscle Spasticity in Stroke

• Status: Completed
• Phase: N/A
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 24 (actual)
• Sponsor: Gaziler Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Education and Research Hospital · Academic / Other
• Sex: All
• Age: 18 Years – 75 Years
• Healthy volunteers: Not accepted

Summary

The aim of this study is to investigate the effectiveness of high-intensity laser therapy for treating plantar flexor muscle spasticity in subacute and chronic stroke patients, focusing on its impact on spasticity, joint range of motion, pain, muscle thickness, functional ambulation, and quality of life.

Detailed description

Post-stroke lower limb spasticity disrupts balance and walking, often resulting in decreased walking speed, increased wheelchair use, and the need for caregiver assistance. Various approaches are utilized in spasticity management, including physical therapy, splinting, oral medications, chemical neurolysis, and surgical interventions. Laser therapy is a non-invasive, painless modality used in physiotherapy units, with a low incidence of side effects. Laser therapy has been shown to reduce muscle fatigue and increase peak torque (muscle strength) when applied before exercise. The use of high-intensity laser therapy in physiotherapy protocols has become increasingly common in recent years. Studies suggest that it enhances healing in tendons and ligaments, prevents fibrosis development, increases local blood flow and tissue regeneration, and reduces edema and pain. The aim of this study is to investigate the effectiveness of high-intensity laser therapy for treating plantar flexor muscle spasticity in subacute and chronic stroke patients, focusing on its impact on spasticity, joint range of motion, pain, muscle thickness, functional ambulation, and quality of life.

Conditions

• Stroke

Interventions

Type	Name	Description
DEVICE	High-intensity laser	All patients will receive a rehabilitation program consisting of stretching, strengthening, balance, and walking exercises targeting the lower extremities for 45 minutes, 5 days a week, for 6 weeks. Walking training will initially begin on level ground and gradually progress to different levels and surfaces. High-intensity laser will be applied continuously in biostimulation mode 3 days a week, once a day, for a total of 9 sessions over 3 weeks
DEVICE	Sham laser	The same procedure will be followed, but sham laser will be applied at 0 j/cm2 for 10 minutes.

Timeline

• Start date: 2024-04-05
• Primary completion: 2024-09-01
• Completion: 2024-09-25
• First posted: 2024-04-10
• Last updated: 2024-09-27

Locations

1 site across 1 country: Turkey (Türkiye)