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.

NCT Number	NCT07454655
Lead Sponsor	Sanko University
Conditions	Stroke, Viscoelastic Property, Rehabilitation
Enrollment	34 participants
Start Date	2026-02-20
Primary Completion	2026-05-15 (estimated)
Study Completion	2026-06-01 (estimated)
Updated on ClinicalTrials.gov	2026-06-04