The Effect of Whole-Body Vibration Therapy Following Botulinum Toxin A Injection on Spasticity and Balance in Stroke Patients

Condition(s) studied

Investigational drug(s) / intervention(s)

Whole body vibration therapy: The intervention group will receive WBV program on a vibration platform in a semi-squat position for 10 minutes, 3 days a week for 4 weeks, with an amplitude of 4 mm and a frequency of 20 Hz. This program will be administered using the 'Compex Winplate' device in the physical therapy room of our hospital's Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, under the supervision of a physical therapist. Both groups will be given a home exercise program consisting of calf muscle stretching and joint range-of-motion exercises, to be completed for 15 minutes per day, throughout the treatment period. The home program consists of stretching exercises for the ankle muscles, which can be performed without the use of additional materials. The participant will be given a pictorial guide after the physiotherapist explains the exercise program.

Sham whole body vibration therapy: The control group will receive sham WBV treatment (a vibration-free application) on a vibration platform in a semi-squat position for 10 minutes, three days a week, for four weeks. This program will be administered using the 'Compex Winplate' device in the physical therapy room of our hospital's Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, under the supervision of a physical therapist. Both groups will be given a home exercise program consisting of calf muscle stretching and joint range-of-motion exercises, to be completed for 15 minutes per day throughout the treatment period. The participant will be given a pictorial guide after the physiotherapist explains the exercise program.

Study summary

The purpose of this clinical study is to evaluate the effect of Whole Body Vibration (WBV) therapy, applied two weeks after botulinum toxin type A (BoNT-A) injection, on spasticity and balance parameters in individuals with stroke who have ankle spasticity. The main questions it aims to answer are: Adjuvant WBV therapy administered after BoNT-A injection;

* Does it effectively improve spasticity?
* Is it an effective intervention for balance and walking functions? Researchers will compare the application of WBV to a placebo application (a vibration-free application) to evaluate the effect of adjuvant WBV therapy administered after BoNT-A injection on ankle spasticity, balance, and walking function in individuals with stroke.

Eligibility

Primary outcome measure(s)

• Change from baseline in the maximum amplitude of the H-reflex, the Hmax/Mmax ratio, and F-wave parameters evaluated with EMNG. — "From enrollment to the end of treatment at 12 weeks"
  -ENMG evaluation: Initially (0), 2 weeks after BoNT-A injection (Week 2), at the end of WBV treatment (Week 6), and at Week 12, an experienced neurologist will perform EMG to assess ankle spasticity. The maximum amplitude of the H-reflex, the Hmax/Mmax ratio, and F-wave parameters will be measured and recorded
• Change from Baseline in the static balance and postural stability assessment — From enrollment to the end of treatment at 12 weeks
  Initially (0), 2 weeks after BoNT-A injection (Week 2), at the end of WBV treatment (Week 6), and at Week 12, to assess static balance, participants will be evaluated for anteroposterior and mediolateral sway on both hard and foam surfaces with eyes open and closed using the HUR Smartbalance BTG4 balance platform (HUR-labs Oy, Kokkola, Finland). Additionally, limits of stability (LOS) measurements will be taken, and the results will be recorded.
• MAS (Modified Ashworth Scale) — From enrollment to the end of treatment at 12 weeks
  MAS is a muscle tone assessment scale used to evaluate resistance during passive range of motion, requiring no instrumentation, and can be performed quickly. The scale is graded as follows: 0: No increase in muscle tone 1: Slight increase in muscle tone with catching and release or minimal resistance at the end of the range of motion when the affected part(s) are moved in flexion or extension 1+: Slight increase in muscle tone, manifesting as catching, followed by minimal resistance (less than half) for the remainder of the range of motion. 2: There is a marked increase in muscle tone throughout most of the range of motion, but the affected part(s) can still be moved easily. 3: Significant increase in muscle tone, difficulty with passive movement. 4: Affected part(s) fixed in flexion or extension
• TUGT (Timed Up and Go Test) — From enrollment to the end of treatment at 8 weeks
  This Test assesses mobility; a chair and a stopwatch are required. The Test is conducted with the participant wearing their regular shoes, and they are allowed to use walking aids if necessary. A 3-meter area is designated in front of the chair. The participant is asked to stand up from the chair, walk a certain distance, and then sit down again. Time will tell the results of the Test.
• Berg Balance Scale (BBS) — From enrollment to the end of treatment at 12 weeks
  It is used to assess functional balance and determine fall risk. The Test consists of 14 items. Values between 0 and 4 are given for each item. While 0 represents the worst value, 4 represents the best value. Four points indicate the ability to complete the task independently. The highest score is 56. Scores between 0-20 indicate balance impairment, scores between 21-40 indicate acceptable balance, and scores between 41-56 indicate good balance.

Trial sites (1)

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