Study of the Immediate Effects of Local Vibration on Walking and Balance in Adults Aged 45 to 75 After Stroke

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are evaluating the immediate effects of local vibration therapy on walking and balance in adults who have experienced a stroke. The study focuses on how this therapy influences spatiotemporal gait parameters and balance, aiming to explore a treatment method that could support stroke rehabilitation. Local vibration is a mechanical stimulus applied to muscles or tendons and has shown promise in improving motor function and brain reorganization in previous studies, though its impact on the gastrocnemius muscle in stroke patients has not been studied before. Participants will be divided into two groups one receiving local vibration therapy using the Vibrasens device applied to the spastic medial gastrocnemius muscle for 10 minutes at 80Hz frequency and 1 mm amplitude, and the other receiving a placebo application to the same area for 10 minutes. This randomized study compares the effects of actual vibration treatment with placebo to assess differences in gait and balance. During the study, participants will undergo multiple assessments including the Modified Ashworth Scale, Timed Up and Go Test, Functional Reaching Test, Biodex Computerized Balance System, Tandem Stance, 10 Meter Walking Test, and gait analysis. Each assessment ranges from 5 to 10 minutes, measuring muscle spasticity, balance, walking ability, and functional mobility. The total involvement spans from initial treatment through these evaluations to determine the acute impact of the intervention on stroke recovery.

Acute Effect of Local Vibration in Stroke Patients