Radial extracorporeal shock wave therapy (rESWT) in the treatment of spasticity in cerebral palsy: a randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial.

AIM: The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of radial extracorporeal shock wave therapy (rESWT) in the treatment of spasticity in patients with cerebral palsy.

METHODS: Fifteen patients with spastic cerebral palsy, 12 men and 3 women, aged 10-46 years (mean age 31). The 15 patients presented 40 spastic muscles that were divided in three groups using a computerized random-number generator. The first group, received rESWT in spastic muscle. The second group received rESWT in spastic muscle + rESWT in antagonist muscle. The third group received placebo. Range of motion and Ashworth Scale were performed. This study is a randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial. The patients were treated in 3 sessions at intervals of one week.

RESULTS: There are significant differences between groups treated with rESWT and group placebo. A significant decrease in the Ashworth Scale, an increase in the range of motion, were observed in all patients that were treated with rESWT. Positive results were maintained for at least 2 months after treatment.

INTERPRETATION: The treatment with rESWT is more effective than placebo in decreasing spasticity of patients with CP.