Effects of Low-level Laser Therapy on Spasticity and Gait Parameters in Chronic Stroke Patients With Spastic Plantar Flexors

Summary

Stroke is one of the leading causes of long-term disability worldwide. Many patients who survive a stroke experience muscle stiffness (called spasticity), especially in the ankle and foot muscles, which makes walking difficult and painful. Spasticity in the plantar flexor muscles those that help push the foot down can lead to poor balance, limited mobility, and increased risk of falls.

This study aims to explore the effects of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) on spasticity and walking ability in patients who have had a stroke for more than six months (chronic stroke). LLLT is a non-invasive, painless treatment that uses low-intensity light to stimulate tissue healing, reduce muscle tightness, and improve nerve function.

A total of 18 chronic stroke patients with spastic plantar flexors were included in this randomized controlled trial (RCT). Participants were randomly assigned to one of two groups:

Study group: Received low-level laser therapy along with conventional physiotherapy.

Control group: Received conventional physiotherapy alone. Each patient received therapy for three weeks. The study evaluated outcomes using the Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS) for muscle spasticity, the Wisconsin Gait Scale (WGS) for walking quality, and a Goniometer for ankle joint range of motion. Assessments were done before and after treatment.

The results showed that both groups improved significantly, but patients who received laser therapy demonstrated greater reduction in spasticity and better gait performance compared to those who received conventional therapy alone.

This study suggests that low-level laser therapy can be a useful addition to conventional rehabilitation programs for improving walking ability and reducing spasticity in stroke patients.

Conditions

• Stroke
• Spasticity
• Plantar Flexors

Interventions

DEVICE

Low Level Laser Therapy

Patients were in prone position while we applied low level laser therapy in continues wave at a wavelength in the near infrared of 830nm. Power density was 670 mW/cm2. The treatment time per point was 30 seconds. Probe head was placed at 90 degree with light pressure on the calf muscles. Three consecutive treatments were given in a session, with 5 seconds break in between, giving a total irradiation time of 90 seconds. Three sessions were given per week for total of six weeks

OTHER

conventional physical therapy

Participants in control group received conventional physical therapy for spasticity that was consisted of heating modality for 20 minutes followed by ten repetitions of sustained stretching of calf muscles (10 seconds hold), strengthening exercise for lower limb muscles i.e. calf muscles, hamstrings, and quadriceps, balance training on balance board and training of gait in parallel bars and using the stepper for six weeks and three sessions each week.

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Montiha Azeem

  lead OTHER

Principal Investigators

• Montiha Azeem, DPT · The University of Lahore, Lahore

Study Design

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

TREATMENT

Masking

NONE

Model

PARALLEL

Eligibility

Min Age

45 Years

Max Age

70 Years

Sex

ALL

Healthy Volunteers

Yes

Timeline & Regulatory

Start

2025-12-30

Primary Completion

2026-02-15

Completion

2026-02-21

Countries

• Pakistan

Study Locations