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Stroke Gait RehabilitationNCT07286435

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

A study testing Whole body vibration therapy in people with Stroke Gait Rehabilitation, run by Uludag University at 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye).

Recruiting

Looking for participants now. Contact the study team or a site below to ask about taking part.

Sites and contacts
Official record
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Trial 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. Read more about this study

Who is it for?
Ages 18 to 75 years
Conditions the study is for
Stroke Gait Rehabilitation
What is being tested?
Whole body vibration therapy
Type of treatment
Medical device
Could I receive a placebo?
Yes, some participants may receive a placebo
How many people
50 participants
Where
1 siteTurkey (Türkiye)
Study dates
5 Jan 2026to Dec 2027
Phase
Interventional
Are there results?
Not yet: the study is under way

Key requirements

Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.

  • Ages 18 to 75 years
  • All sexes
  • No healthy volunteers
  • Adult, Older adult

Who may be able to join

  • Participants with unilateral hemiparesis due to hemorrhage or infarction
  • Participants aged 18-75 years
  • Participants with MAS ≥2 spasticity in the ankle
  • Participants with a Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) score of 24, indicating preserved cognitive and communication abilities
  • Participants who can walk at least 100 meters with or without assistive devices
  • Participants without joint contractures and with sufficient motor control to perform functional walking tests
  • Participants who have not previously undergone vibration therapy

Who cannot join

  • History of neurological disease (such as polyneuropathy or motor neuron diseases) other than a history of existing stroke
  • History of recent fracture in the lower extremity
  • Severe degenerative joint disease
  • History of implants in the lower extremity or spine
  • History of cardiac pacemakers
  • Presence of uncontrolled hypertension and uncontrolled diabetes
  • History of recent thromboembolism or infection
  • Participants whose antispasmodic medication regimen was changed within 1 month prior to starting treatment

Trial locations and contacts

1 site in 1 country. Contact the study team or a site near you to ask about taking part.

Sevda Demir Demir Ture, MD, Spacialist Physician contact

+905414354785

sevdademir.ftr@gmail.com

Alev Alp, MD, Prof. Dr. contact

+905422540133

dr.alevalp@gmail.com

Turkey (Türkiye)1 site, 1 recruiting
  • Bursa Uludağ University Faculty of Medicine

    Bursa, Bursa, 16235

    Sevda Demir, M.D., 05414354785, sevdademir.ftr@gmail.com

    Recruiting

Other trials in Turkey (Türkiye)

About this study

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.
Read the detailed description

Materials and Methods:

Stroke participants who applied to the outpatient clinic of the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at Uludağ University Faculty of Medicine and were evaluated at the rehabilitation council due to ankle spasticity, and for whom BoNT-A injection therapy was planned for the gastrosoleus muscles, will be evaluated for study eligibility. The study will include a total of 50 participants who meet the inclusion criteria. Participants to be included in the study will be randomly assigned to 2 groups, with 25 participants in each group, using computer-generated randomization. The study was planned as a prospective, double-masked, randomized controlled clinical study.

Informed consent will be obtained from participants who meet the inclusion criteria. Participants' demographic data (age, gender, height, and weight), stroke type (ischemic/hemorrhagic), side of hemiplegia (right/left), lesion location, comorbidities, pre-stroke functional status, and use of antispastic medication will be recorded.

For all participants who planned to receive BoNT-A injection therapy for ankle spasticity during outpatient clinic visits and who met the study criteria, 100-300 units of BoNT-A injection therapy will be administered to the gastrosoleus muscles by an experienced physical medicine and rehabilitation specialist. Thereafter, participants will be categorized into two groups of 25 individuals each based on a random number table.

  • The intervention group will receive the 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.
  • The control group will receive sham WBV treatment (a vibration-free application) for the same duration.

Both groups will be given a home exercise program consisting of calf muscle stretching and joint range-of-motion exercises, which will 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.

Study Algorithm: Power analysis was performed using the G*Power 3.1.9.6 program to calculate the sample size. The effect size of the difference between the two groups in terms of the Modified Ashworth Scale, VAS score, H-reflex, and Hmax/Mmax ratio was determined to be 0.80, with Chan et al.'s study serving as a reference. It was determined that at least 25 participants were required in each group to achieve 80% power and a significance level of 5%.

The data will be analyzed using IBM SPSS v. 25 statistical software. The obtained data will be analyzed and compared using appropriate statistical tests.

Being tested
Whole body vibration therapy, Sham whole body vibration therapy
Keywords
stroke, whole body vibration, spasticity, balance, gait
Medical subject headings
Stroke, Muscle Spasticity

What participants receive

What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.

  • Whole body vibration therapyDevice

    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 therapyDevice

    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 groups in NCT07286435
Study groupRoleWhat they receive
The intervention groupActive comparatorThe 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 20Hz. 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.
Receives: Device: Whole body vibration therapy
The control groupSham comparatorThe 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.
Receives: Device: Sham whole body vibration therapy

What is being measured

The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.

  1. Change from baseline in the maximum amplitude of the H-reflex, the Hmax/Mmax ratio, and F-wave parameters evaluated with EMNG.

    -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

    Measured: "From enrollment to the end of treatment at 12 weeks"

  2. Change from Baseline in the static balance and postural stability assessment

    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.

    Measured: From enrollment to the end of treatment at 12 weeks

  3. MAS (Modified Ashworth Scale)

    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

    Measured: From enrollment to the end of treatment at 12 weeks

  4. TUGT (Timed Up and Go Test)

    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.

    Measured: From enrollment to the end of treatment at 8 weeks

  5. Berg Balance Scale (BBS)

    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.

    Measured: From enrollment to the end of treatment at 12 weeks

Secondary outcomes (3)
  1. The Functional Independence Measure (FIM)

    The Functional Independence Measure (FIM): indicates an individual's level of independence in daily life activities. It consists of 18 items, including sections on self-care, sphincter control, transfer, mobility, communication, social perception, and cognitive status, with a scoring range of 18-126. It consists of motor (13 items) and cognitive (5 items) subscales. All items will be answered using a 7-point Likert scale. A validity and reliability study in Turkish has been conducted.

    Measured: From enrollment to the end of treatment at 12 weeks

  2. The Visual Analog Scale (VAS)

    The Visual Analog Scale (VAS): is scored between 0 and 10. 0 represents the absence of spasticity during ambulation, and 10 represents the maximum intensity of spasticity that prevents ambulation.

    Measured: From enrollment to the end of treatment at 12 weeks

  3. 10 m Walk Test

    10 m Walk Test: During the Test, the participant walks at a normal walking speed between two markers 10 meters apart, and the time taken is recorded.

    Measured: From enrollment to the end of treatment at 12 weeks

Timeline

From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.

  1. First posted16 Dec 2025
  2. Study start5 Jan 2026
  3. Primary completionJun 2027 (estimated)
  4. Study completionDec 2027 (estimated)

Resources

More details

For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.

Study design
Study type
Interventional
Phase
Phase N/A
Primary purpose
Treatment
Allocation
Randomised
Intervention model
Parallel groups
Model description
Single-center, randomized controlled, double-blind, prospective clinical trial
Masking
Double blind
Who is masked
Participant, Investigator
Enrolment
50 participants (estimated)
IDs, dates and publications
ClinicalTrials.gov ID
NCT07286435
Sponsor's protocol ID
2025-16/7 and 09.09.2025
Status last verified
Sep 2026
First submitted
2 Dec 2025
Last updated
3 Sep 2026
Results posted
No
Data monitoring committee
No
FDA-regulated drug
No
FDA-regulated device
No
Individual data sharing
Undecided

Publications

  • Picelli A, Santamato A, Chemello E, Cinone N, Cisari C, Gandolfi M, Ranieri M, Smania N, Baricich A. Adjuvant treatments associated with botulinum toxin injection for managing spasticity: An overview of the literature. Ann Phys Rehabil Med. 2019 Jul;62(4):291-296. doi: 10.1016/j.rehab.2018.08.004. Epub 2018 Sep 13.

    PubMed 30219307
  • Paoloni M, Giovannelli M, Mangone M, Leonardi L, Tavernese E, Di Pangrazio E, Bernetti A, Santilli V, Pozzilli C. Does giving segmental muscle vibration alter the response to botulinum toxin injections in the treatment of spasticity in people with multiple sclerosis? A single-blind randomized controlled trial. Clin Rehabil. 2013 Sep;27(9):803-12. doi: 10.1177/0269215513480956. Epub 2013 Mar 29.

    PubMed 23543344
  • Chan KS, Liu CW, Chen TW, Weng MC, Huang MH, Chen CH. Effects of a single session of whole body vibration on ankle plantarflexion spasticity and gait performance in patients with chronic stroke: a randomized controlled trial. Clin Rehabil. 2012 Dec;26(12):1087-95. doi: 10.1177/0269215512446314. Epub 2012 Oct 3.

    PubMed 23035004

Questions about this trial

What is this clinical trial studying?

A study testing Whole body vibration therapy in people with Stroke Gait Rehabilitation, run by Uludag University at 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye).

The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.

Who may be eligible to take part?

The sponsor lists 7 inclusion and 8 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.

Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?

The record says: looking for participants now, as of the sponsor's last update on 3 Sep 2026. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.

Where is the study taking place?

The record lists 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye). Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.

What are the possible benefits and risks?

They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. Some participants in this study may receive a placebo. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.

Are results available for this study?

This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.

How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?

Contact Sevda Demir Demir Ture, MD, Spacialist Physician (+905414354785, sevdademir.ftr@gmail.com), or a site near the patient. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.

What does the primary outcome measure?

Change from baseline in the maximum amplitude of the H-reflex, the Hmax/Mmax ratio, and F-wave parameters evaluated with EMNG. (time frame: "From enrollment to the end of treatment at 12 weeks"). The study lists 5 primary outcomes in all. It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.

Where can I read the original study information?

On the ClinicalTrials.gov record for NCT07286435, which also lists 3 linked publications.

Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?

No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.

How often is this information updated?

AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 3 Sep 2026.

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