Thesis (M.Sc.) - Cairo University - Faculty of Physical Therapy - Department of Physical Therapy for Neuromuscular and Neurosurgery

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of shock wave therapy on ankle planter flexors spasticity in stroke patients. Forty stroke patients of both (females and males) were selected from Out-patient Clinic, Faculty of Physical Therapy, Cairo University and from El Haram specialized hospital. Patients were divided into two equal groups. Methods: Patients in the study group I (n = 20) received the selected physical therapy program as well as shock wave therapy on spastic ankle planter flexors where as patients in study group II (n =20) received the selected physical therapy program as well as placebo shock wave. The physical therapy program were three sessions per week every other day for six weeks while the shock wave therapy was one session per week for six weeks. The following assessment including H/M ratio, dorsiflexion active range of motion and time of ten-meters walking test were measured before and after six weeks of treatment program. Results: Before treatment there was no significant difference between the two groups regarding the grades of spasticity according to H/M ratio, dorsiflexion active range of motion and time of ten-meters walking test. After treatment there was a very highly significant different between the study group I and the study group II regarding the grades of spasticity according to H/M ratio, highly significant different between the study group I and the study group II regarding dorsiflexion active range of motion and time of ten-meters walking test. Conclusion: application of shock wave therapy is effective in controlling spasticity, increase dorsiflexion active range of motion of ankle and improving ten- meters walking test in stroke patients

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