The Effects of Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy on Upper Extremity Spasticity and Function in Patients With Stroke

Brief Summary

Spasticity is a common complication after stroke and can limit upper extremity motor control and activities of daily living. Radial extracorporeal shock wave therapy (rESWT) is a non-invasive treatment that has been investigated for post-stroke spasticity; however, treatment protocols vary widely across studies in the muscles treated, number of impulses, session frequency, energy parameters, and application sites. This prospective, single-center, single-arm study enrolled 30 adults with post-stroke hemiplegia and upper extremity spasticity to evaluate changes in clinical outcomes following an rESWT protocol with anatomically predefined target points. rESWT was applied to the biceps brachii, flexor carpi radialis, and flexor carpi ulnaris of the affected arm twice weekly for 4 weeks (8 sessions). Spasticity, upper extremity motor function, functional independence, quality of life, pain, depressive symptoms, and sensory findings were assessed at baseline, week 4, and week 12.