Functional Massage and Eccentric Exercise in Stroke Survivors (FM-EE Stroke)

Summary

Stroke is currently the leading cause of mortality in women, the second in men and the leading cause of disability in older adults. One of the most challenging sequelae after stroke is increased muscle tone due to spasticity, which alters muscle function. Functional massage therapy focuses on enhancing the function of muscles, joints, and connective tissues to improve movement and reduce pain. On the other hand, eccentric exercise, aids in the recovery of physical functions and is effective in managing spasticity improving muscle coordination and flexibility. It is essential to underline that the strength of evidence regarding these effects is considerable, supporting the implementation of these exercises in post-stroke treatment. In this context, an intervention combining functional massage with eccentric exercise on the lower limb is proposed for stroke survivors in the chronic phase. The goal of this crossover study is to analyze the effects of functional massage combined with eccentric exercise versus eccentric exercise alone on the effects of muscle tone, due to spasticity, of the lower limb in patients with chronic stroke. The Secondary Objectives are to analyze the effects of functional massage combined with eccentric exercise versus eccentric exercise alone on the improvement of ROM of the hip, knee and ankle joints, gait speed, lower limb function, quality of life and reduction of stress, anxiety and depression in patients with chronic stroke. The number of patients to be treated will be 8, the numbers of visits per patient will be 8 at the facilities of the university. Functional massage is a manual therapy technique that combines rhythmic passive mobilization of the joint, together with compression and decompression of the musculature to be treated. Eccentric exercises on lower limb focuses on movements, or phases of a movement, that lengthen the muscles. Some examples of eccentric exercise include lowering into a squat or lowering into a press-up. However, there are few previous studies combining these approaches to reduce spasticity and muscle tone and improve functionality in post-stroke patients. Participation in this study carries minimal risk, which could include events such as ankle endorses or falls during gait speed assessment or during therapeutic exercise. To mitigate these risks, participants will be allowed to use assistive devices such as splints, ankle braces, canes, or crutches during the activities selected for intervention. Importantly, patients in the chronic phase of stroke, and not in the acute phase, are included due to the stability of their condition which allows for safer and more effective participation in the study.

Conditions

• Stroke

Interventions

OTHER

Group A Funtional massage therapy and eccentric exercise in lower limb

Functional Massage (FM) on lower limb. FM is a therapeutic technique that incorporates joint motion with massage to treat musculotendinous pain and impairments. Eccentric exercises training for lower limb. It can be useful in strengthening the muscles of the lower limbs, and promoting gait performance.

OTHER

Group B. Eccentric exercises training

Eccentric exercises training and therapeutic exercise is a type of physical activity used to treat or prevent injuries and improve functional outcomes. Eccentric exercises focuses on movements, or phases of a movement, that lengthen the muscles. Some examples of eccentric exercise include lowering into a squat or lowering into a press-up. In contrast, when a person pushes out of a squat or press-up, this shortens the muscles. This is known as concentric movement

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Universitat Internacional de Catalunya

  lead OTHER

Principal Investigators

• Pere Ramón Rodríguez Rubio Pere Ramón Rodríguez-Rubio, PhD · Universitat Internacional de Catalunya

• Pere Ramón Rodríguez-Rubio Rodríguez-Rubio, PhD · Universitat Internacional de Catalunya

Study Design

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

TREATMENT

Masking

SINGLE

Model

CROSSOVER

Eligibility

Min Age

18 Years

Max Age

95 Years

Sex

ALL

Healthy Volunteers

No

Timeline & Regulatory

Start

2025-04-05

Primary Completion

2025-07-01

Completion

2025-07-01

Countries

• Spain