NCT07454655

The Effect of Percussion Massage Therapy in Stroke Patients

The Effect of Percussion Massage Therapy on Muscle Tone, Walking and Balance Functions in Chronic Stroke Patients

• Status: Enrolling By Invitation
• Phase: N/A
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 34 (estimated)
• Sponsor: Sanko University · Academic / Other
• Sex: All
• Age: 40 Years – 65 Years
• Healthy volunteers: Not accepted

Summary

Stroke is an acute neurological condition resulting from cerebral ischemia or hemorrhage, frequently leading to impaired motor function, increased muscle tone, and deficits in balance and gait. Spasticity is a common long-term complication in individuals with chronic stroke and significantly affects functional mobility and quality of life. Percussion Massage Therapy (PMT) is an emerging intervention that combines principles of mechanical vibration and traditional soft tissue techniques. Although previous research has examined its effects in musculoskeletal and athletic populations, evidence regarding its use in individuals with chronic stroke remains limited. The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of percussion massage therapy on muscle tone in individuals with chronic stroke and to determine whether changes in muscle tone are associated with improvements in gait and balance performance.

Detailed description

Stroke frequently results in persistent neuromuscular impairments, including increased muscle tone, altered motor control, and reduced postural stability. Spasticity, particularly in the chronic phase, contributes to joint stiffness, abnormal movement patterns, and decreased functional independence. Interventions targeting muscle tone reduction may therefore support improvements in gait and balance. Percussion Massage Therapy (PMT) is delivered handheld mechanical devices that apply rapid, repetitive pressure pulses to myofascial tissues. These mechanical stimuli are thought to promote muscle relaxation, enhance proprioceptive input, modulate pain perception, and facilitate local circulation. By inducing mechanical deformation within soft tissues, PMT may influence neuromuscular activation patterns and reduce hypertonicity. While studies have reported beneficial effects of massage and vibration-based interventions on muscle stiffness and functional performance in various populations, data specifically addressing individuals with chronic stroke are scarce. In particular, the relationship between PMT-induced changes in spasticity and functional outcomes such as gait and balance has not been adequately explored. This study is designed to evaluate the effects of PMT on muscle tone in individuals with chronic stroke and to examine whether potential reductions in spasticity translate into measurable improvements in gait and balance performance. The findings are expected to contribute to the evidence base for adjunctive rehabilitation strategies in chronic stroke management

Conditions

• Stroke
• Viscoelastic Property
• Rehabilitation

Interventions

Type	Name	Description
OTHER	exercises	Treatment for both groups will last for 6 weeks, 3 days a week, with each session lasting approximately 45-60 minutes. Assessment sessions will last 30-40 minutes and will be conducted independently of the treatment sessions. Assessment sessions will be conducted twice, before and after treatment. The Classical Physiotherapy Programme applied to both groups will consist of stretching exercises, strengthening exercises, walking and balance training, and neuromuscular electrical stimulation applied to the lower extremity muscles. Percussion Massage Therapy (PMT), which will be applied in addition to the experimental group, will be applied to the hip adductors, knee extensors, and ankle plantar flexors belonging to the lower extremity extensor synergy. Application Method: PMT will be applied to each muscle group of the lower extremity for 2-3 minutes.

Timeline

• Start date: 2026-01-30
• Primary completion: 2026-03-15
• Completion: 2026-04-15
• First posted: 2026-03-06
• Last updated: 2026-03-06

Locations

1 site across 1 country: Turkey (Türkiye)