Light touch: laser therapy eases stroke stiffness, improves gait in small trial

NCT ID NCT07273591

Completed Symptom relief Sponsor: Montiha Azeem Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 2 times

Summary

This study tested low-level laser therapy (LLLT) on 18 chronic stroke patients with ankle stiffness. Half got laser plus physiotherapy, half got physiotherapy alone for three weeks. Both groups improved, but the laser group had greater reductions in muscle tightness and better walking scores. The results suggest LLLT could be a helpful add-on to standard rehab, but larger studies are needed.

What this could mean

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

Active substance: low-level laser therapy (LLLT)
What this could lead to: If it works, this could offer a simple, painless addition to rehab for stroke survivors to help them walk better and feel less stiff.
What could go wrong: This was a very small study (18 people) with short follow-up. Larger, longer trials are needed to confirm if the benefits are real and lasting.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

Mobility Limitation Muscle Spasticity stroke disorder

As listed by the trial registrant

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

PLANTAR FLEXORS SPASTICITY STROKE

Contacts and locations

Locations

Shalamar Hospital, Sughra Shafi Medical Complex, Narowal

Lahore, Punjab Province, 54000, Pakistan

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