The use of extracorporeal shock wave therapy at patients with spasticity related to cerebrovascular accident

This research aims to show the reduction of muscular tonus by using extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy in order to recover normal movements. Methods: 10 patients over 50 and under 80 years of age presenting stroke with spasticity participated in this pilot study, which used three methods: 1) the Ashworth scale, 2) the digital goniometer and 3) the displacement of muscle belly, before and after the shock waves. To check the displacement of muscle belly, a current pulse was applied, measured by LTM 165 class 2 Laser. This approach is similar and consists of measuring the displacement on a laser sensor basis. The Ortho-lithotripsy equipment used was a Direx Integra. The dose/intensity was 1000 cps – 0.030 mJ/mm². Results: We also observed a better quality of muscle contraction (Scale Ashworth p=0.05). At digital goniometry, the shoulder abduction developed 35° in 7 of the patients and 15° in 3 of them (p<0.05). Conclusion: The muscles do not become hypotonic with the shock waves treatment, (they present an adequate tonus). The patients who presented micro-shortening and did not undergo to regular physiotherapy showed a minor improvement (15° goniometry).Keywords: stroke, spasticity, lithotripsy.