Efficacy of extracorporeal shock wave therapy for post-stroke spasticity and dose-response analysis: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Key Points

• This research examines the effectiveness of extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) in treating post-stroke spasticity and investigates the dose-response relationship.
• Conducted a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs)
• Evaluated both short- and long-term effects of ESWT on post-stroke spasticity
• Analyzed heterogeneity in treatment responses across studies
• ESWT significantly reduces post-stroke spasticity (PSS)
• A dose-response relationship indicates that higher doses yield better outcomes
• Evidence of both immediate and longer-term benefits from treatment