Abstract
AIM: This randomized controlled clinical trial investigated the effects of gastrocnemius functional massage (GFM) combined with neurodevelopmental treatment (NDT) on spasticity, gait parameters, and functional mobility in stroke patients. METHODS: A total of 28 chronic stroke survivors were randomized into an experimental group (EG, n = 13) and a control group (CG, n = 15). Both groups received NDT twice a week for six weeks, while the EG received additional GFM. Spasticity (Modified Ashworth Scale), gait parameters (LegSys), and functional mobility (Timed Up and Go test) were assessed pre- and post-treatment. RESULTS: The results showed significant improvements in spasticity within the EG for the hip adductor (p = 0.002), knee extensor (p = 0.006), and ankle plantar flexor muscles (p = 0.002), compared to minimal changes in the CG (p > 0.05). Gait analysis revealed significant improvements in the EG for stride number (p = 0.0001), stride length (p = 0.006), stride time (p = 0.001), and stride velocity (p = 0.002), whereas the CG showed no significant changes (p > 0.05). Functional mobility improvements in the EG included reduced sit-to-stand time (p = 0.021) and total Timed Up and Go time (p = 0.001), indicating enhanced dynamic balance and lower extremity strength. CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that combining GFM with NDT significantly enhances spasticity reduction, gait parameters, and functional mobility in stroke patients. Future studies are needed to explore the long-term effects and underlying mechanisms of this combined approach. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: This study was registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov under the identification number NCT06265753.