Sound waves aim to calm spastic muscles in spinal injury patients

NCT ID NCT05432999

First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This pilot study tested whether a non-invasive treatment called extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) can safely reduce spasticity—muscle stiffness and spasms—in people with chronic spinal cord injury. Five participants received ESWT or a sham treatment, and researchers measured changes in muscle tone and quality of life. The goal is to gather data for a larger trial that could confirm if this low-side-effect approach works better than current medications.

What this could mean

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

Active substance
Extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) – a device that delivers high-pressure sound waves to muscles through the skin
What this could lead to
If it works, this could offer a non-drug option to reduce muscle stiffness and spasms in people with spinal cord injury, with fewer side effects than medications.
What could go wrong
This is a very small pilot study with only 5 participants completed, so results may not apply to everyone. The treatment may not prove effective in larger trials.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

As listed by the trial registrant

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

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • Kessler Foundation

    West Orange, New Jersey, 07052, United States

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