Triceps Surae Ultrasonographic Characteristics in Hemiparetic Stroke Survivors
Italy50 participantsStarted 2021-01-14
Plain-language summary
This study aims to evaluate, in hemiparetic patients, changes in muscle ultrasound structure about the focal treatment of spasticity with botulinum toxin type A. For this purpose, the analysis of the mean echo intensity will be carried out on ultrasound acquisitions, identifying the possible correlations between the muscle echogenicity, the variations in the pennation angle, and the length of the fascicles.
For image processing operations, ImageJ software was applied.
Who can participate
Age range
18 Years
Sex
ALL
See this in plain English?
AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.
Inclusion Criteria:
* unilateral ischaemic or haemorrhagic stroke (documented with clinical examination and neuroradiological findings)
* presence of spasticity at lower limb muscles, at least grade 1+ in the modified Ashworth Scale 3.
* age ≥ 18 years
Exclusion Criteria:
* inability to walk before stroke
* presence of severe cognitive impairment
* presence of other musculoskeletal, neurological or cardiopulmonary impairment which can interfere with clinical findings
* presence of skin lesions that can contraindicate BoNT-A treatment
* previous surgical myotendinous elongation
Questions worth asking your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.
1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?
Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.
Questions for the trial coordinator
The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.
1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.
What they're measuring
1
muscle structure variations
Timeframe: single measure through study completion (1 year)