Needles vs. botox: which eases Post-Stroke stiffness best?

NCT ID NCT06296082

Recruiting now Symptom relief Sponsor: Universiteit Antwerpen Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 24, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study tests two treatments for muscle stiffness in the lower leg after a stroke: Botox injections (a single session) and dry needling (12 weekly sessions). Researchers will measure changes in muscle reflexes and thickness in 90 participants across Belgium, Spain, and Canada. The goal is to see which approach works better and how they affect the nervous system.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: Botulinum toxin type A (Botox) and dry needling
What this could lead to: If successful, this could show that dry needling is a safe, non-drug alternative to Botox for reducing muscle stiffness after a stroke.
What could go wrong: This is a small, early-stage proof-of-concept trial. Results may not apply to all stroke survivors, and dry needling may be less effective or require more sessions than Botox.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

stroke disorder

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

STROKE

Contacts and locations

Locations

Hospital Clínico Universitario Lozano Blesa
RECRUITING

Zaragoza, Zaragoza, 50009, Spain
Jewish Rehabilitation Hospital
RECRUITING

Montreal, Quebec, H7V 1R2, Canada
Universiteit Antwerpen
RECRUITING

Antwerp, Flanders, 2000, Belgium

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