Comparing the Effect of Focused and Radial Extracorporeal Shock Waves on Post-stroke Hypertonia

The main purpose of this study is to compare treatment efficacy of focused and radial extracorporeal shock waves on spasticity in chronic stroke patient

This study is a prospective and double-blinded randomized control trial. Thirty-two stroke patients with spastic equinus were randomly assigned to receive three sessions of either focused shockwave therapy or radial shockwave therapy at 1-week intervals. The intensities that were used during FSWT (0.1 mJ/mm2) and RSWT (2 bar) were comparable. Patients were evaluated at baseline and at 1, 4, 8 weeks after the final shockwave treatment. The primary outcome measure was modified Ashworth scale (MAS) score. Secondary outcome measures were Tardieu scale, ankle passive range of motion, plantar contact area during gait, and gait speed. A linear mixed model with repeated measures was used to compare each outcome measure between the two groups.

Treatment was administered directly to the middle of muscle bellies of the spastic triceps surae muscle in three sessions, with one week interval. During each session, 3000 pulses (1500 shots in the gastrocnemius and 1500 shots in the soleus muscle) were delivered at 5 Hz. The intensities of FSWT were 0.10 mJ/mm2.

Treatment was administered directly to the middle of muscle bellies of the spastic triceps surae muscle in three sessions, with one week interval. During each session, 3000 pulses (1500 shots in the gastrocnemius and 1500 shots in the soleus muscle) were delivered at 5 Hz.The intensities of RSWT were 2.0 bar.

The outcome evaluation include ankle range of motion (ROM), modified Ashworth scale (MAS),modified Tardieu scale (MTS), baropodometric measurement, and gait speed.

The outcome evaluation include ankle range of motion (ROM), modified Ashworth scale (MAS),modified Tardieu scale (MTS), baropodometric measurement, and gait speed.

Using the modyfied Ashworth Scale to measure the spasticity before treatment and multiple time frame after treatment.

Using the digital goniometer to measure the passive range of motion before treatment and multiple time frame after treatment.

Using the modified Tardieu scale (MTS) to measure the spasticity before treatment and multiple time frame after treatment.

Using the baropodometric measurement to measure the foot contact area before treatment and multiple time frame after treatment.

Inclusion Criteria: aged greater than 18 years old; at least 6 months since onset of last stroke; triceps surae muscle tone graded at least 1+ on the Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS) score; ability to walk alone with/without orthosis. Exclusion Criteria: Exclusion criteria included fixed ankle joint contracture, previous treatment of the affected leg with neurolytic or surgical procedures, concomitant progressive central nervous system diseases, and skin breakdown, vascular disease in the affected leg