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Effects of gastrocnemius functional massage on lower extemity spasticity, spatio- temporal gait variables and fall risk in patients with stroke: A randomized controlled trial

Year: 2025

Type: article

Study designs: Randomized Controlled Trial, Clinical Trial

Abstract: AIM: This randomized controlled clinical trial investigated the effects of gastrocnemius functional massage (GFM) combined with neurodevelopmental treatment (NDT) on spasticity, gait parameters, and functional mobility in stroke patients. METHODS: A total of 28 chronic stroke survivors were randomized into an experimental group (EG, n = 13) and a control group (CG, n = 15). Both groups received NDT twice a week for six weeks, while the EG received additional GFM. Spasticity (Modified Ashworth Scale), gait parameters (LegSys), and functional mobility (Timed Up and Go test) were assessed pre- and post-treatment. RESULTS: The results showed significant improvements in spasticity within the EG for the hip adductor (p = 0.002), knee extensor (p = 0.006), and ankle plantar flexor muscles (p = 0.002), compared to minimal changes in the CG (p > 0.05). Gait analysis revealed significant improvements in the EG for stride number (p = 0.0001), stride length (p = 0.006), stride time (p = 0.001), and stride velocity (p = 0.002), whereas the CG showed no significant changes (p > 0.05). Functional mobility improvements in the EG included reduced sit-to-stand time (p = 0.021) and total Timed Up and Go time (p = 0.001), indicating enhanced dynamic balance and lower extremity strength. CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that combining GFM with NDT significantly enhances spasticity reduction, gait parameters, and functional mobility in stroke patients. Future studies are needed to explore the long-term effects and underlying mechanisms of this combined approach. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: This study was registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov under the identification number NCT06265753.

Source: PLoS ONE

DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0332308

Authors: Aziz Dengiz, Serbay Sekeroz, Emre Baskan, Güzin Kara

Institutions: Muş Alparslan University, Van Yüzüncü Yıl Üniversitesi, Pamukkale University

Language: English

Topic: Stroke Rehabilitation and Recovery

Subfield: Rehabilitation

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,382