Effects of Low-level Laser Therapy on Spasticity and Gait Parameters in Chronic Stroke Patients With Spastic Plantar Flexors
试验速览
- 阶段
- 不适用
- 状态
- 已完成
- 发起方
- 入组人数
- 22
- 试验地点
- 2
- 主要终点
- Change in Spasticity of Ankle Plantar Flexors Measured by Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS)
研究概览
简要总结
Stroke is one of the leading causes of long-term disability worldwide. Many patients who survive a stroke experience muscle stiffness (called spasticity), especially in the ankle and foot muscles, which makes walking difficult and painful. Spasticity in the plantar flexor muscles those that help push the foot down can lead to poor balance, limited mobility, and increased risk of falls.
This study aims to explore the effects of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) on spasticity and walking ability in patients who have had a stroke for more than six months (chronic stroke). LLLT is a non-invasive, painless treatment that uses low-intensity light to stimulate tissue healing, reduce muscle tightness, and improve nerve function.
A total of 18 chronic stroke patients with spastic plantar flexors were included in this randomized controlled trial (RCT). Participants were randomly assigned to one of two groups:
Study group: Received low-level laser therapy along with conventional physiotherapy.
Control group: Received conventional physiotherapy alone. Each patient received therapy for three weeks. The study evaluated outcomes using the Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS) for muscle spasticity, the Wisconsin Gait Scale (WGS) for walking quality, and a Goniometer for ankle joint range of motion. Assessments were done before and after treatment.
The results showed that both groups improved significantly, but patients who received laser therapy demonstrated greater reduction in spasticity and better gait performance compared to those who received conventional therapy alone.
This study suggests that low-level laser therapy can be a useful addition to conventional rehabilitation programs for improving walking ability and reducing spasticity in stroke patients.
详细描述
Background and Rationale:
After a stroke, damage to the brain can cause increased muscle tone (spasticity), reduced mobility, and altered gait patterns. These issues significantly affect independence and quality of life. Traditional physiotherapy techniques, such as stretching and strengthening, are helpful but often insufficient in chronic cases. Recent evidence suggests that low-level laser therapy (LLLT) can promote cellular recovery, improve blood circulation, and reduce muscle stiffness by enhancing nerve conduction and reducing inflammation.
Study Objective:
To determine the effectiveness of low-level laser therapy in improving spasticity and gait parameters in chronic stroke patients with spastic plantar flexors.
Study Design:
研究设计
- 研究类型
- Interventional
- 分配方式
- Randomized
- 干预模型
- Parallel
- 主要目的
- Treatment
- 盲法
- None
入排标准
- 年龄范围
- 45 Years 至 70 Years（Adult, Older Adult）
- 性别
- All
- 接受健康志愿者
- 是
入选标准
- •Patients with Age of 45-70 years. Male and female patients with chronic stroke. Patients determined to have persistent stroke for no less than 1 year A maximum of 2 degrees of plantar flexor spasticity on MAS. (35) Cognitive preserved, having score of 24 to 30 on MMSE. (25) Medical referral for physiotherapy.
排除标准
- •Patients with uncontrolled metabolic illnesses, orthopedic issues, and other neurologic abnormalities should be excluded as potential confounding factors impacting balance performance. Patients with recurrent stroke. Patients who were at that point performing organized proactive tasks, for example, muscle reinforcing works out, Pilates, yoga or focused energy oxygen consuming activities Patients with Hypoesthesia or possibly Hyperesthesia of the side to be analyzed.
- •The patients with active contamination and presence of rashes at the site of utilization of the laser application. A neoplastic lesion at the site of application.
结局指标
主要结局
Change in Spasticity of Ankle Plantar Flexors Measured by Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS)
时间窗: 6 weeks
Spasticity of the ankle plantar flexors will be assessed using the Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS), a standardized clinical measure of muscle tone. Scores range from 0 (no increase in tone) to 4 (rigid in flexion or extension). Measurements will be taken at baseline, at 3 weeks, and at 6 weeks after the start of intervention. A decrease in MAS score will indicate improvement in spasticity.
次要结局
未报告次要终点
研究者
Montiha Azeem
Principal Investigator
University of Lahore