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Completed

NCT Number: NCT07454655

The Effect of Percussion Massage Therapy in Stroke Patients

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.

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Key information

Conditions

Stroke Brain Diseases Cardiovascular Diseases Central Nervous System Diseases Cerebrovascular Disorders Nervous System Diseases Rehabilitation Vascular Diseases Viscoelastic Property

Age range

40 year–65 year

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

Sanko Unıversıty

Gaziantep, 27090, Turkey (Türkiye)

About this study

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

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: No

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

Inclusion criteria

  • Having had a unilateral stroke and being in the chronic phase (≥6 months, ≤2 years).
  • Age: 40-65 years old.
  • Hemiplegic patients with lower limb dysfunction.
  • Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) score ≥24. Lower limb spasticity of 1-3 on the Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS).
  • Full passive range of motion (ROM) in the hip, knee, and ankle joints.
  • Ability to stand independently for at least 1 minute.

Exclusion criteria

  • Individuals with neurological, orthopaedic, metabolic, and rheumatological conditions that may affect soft tissues.
  • Patients who have undergone spasticity treatment or other therapies within the last three months.
  • Individuals with lower limb injuries.
  • Pregnant women.

Treatment and study plan

Exercises

Other

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.

Primary outcomes

  1. 10-Meter Walk Test:

    Time frame: 3 months

    a standard clinical measurement tool that objectively assesses an individual's walking speed. In the study area, the walking speed (m/s) is calculated by timing the middle 10 metres of a straight line.

  2. Myoton® PRO

    Time frame: 3 months

    measures muscle tone

  3. Timed Up and Go Test (TUG);

    Time frame: 3 months

    The Timed Up and Go Test (TUG) is a practical test that assesses functional mobility components such as rising from a seated position, walking a certain distance, turning around, and sitting back down.

  4. Berg Balance Scale (BBS)

    Time frame: 3 months

    The Berg Balance Scale is a clinical measure developed to assess static and dynamic balance and evaluate balance performance in activities of daily living. In stroke rehabilitation, the BBS is widely used to quantitatively determine balance impairment and monitor balance changes. It is one of the most frequently recommended balance assessment tools in stroke clinical practice guidelines worldwide and is associated with gait, fall risk, and postural control.

  5. Digital goniometer

    Time frame: 3 months

    Joint position sense and proprioception assessment will be performed using a digital goniometer for the hip, knee, and ankle joints. During measurement, the participant will be placed in the appropriate starting position, and the rele

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Sanko University

Other

Registry information

Official study title

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

Important dates

Study start
2026
Primary completion
2026
Study completion
2026
First posted
Mar 6, 2026
Registry last updated
Jun 4, 2026

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

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