The Effect of Cupping on Spasticity and Function of the Lower Extremity During Rehabilitation After Stroke

Last updated: December 10, 2024
Sponsor: Scott Getsoian
Overall Status: Active - Recruiting

Phase

N/A

Condition

Stroke

Limb Spasticity

Cerebral Ischemia

Treatment

Dry Static Cupping

Placebo cupping

Standard physical therapy treatment

Clinical Study ID

NCT06653855
RIL20240041
  • Ages 30-80
  • All Genders

Study Summary

Physical therapists use dry static cupping for the treatment of many conditions, including spasticity for patients post-stroke. While research better describes the effects of dry static cupping for patients with orthopedic conditions, information is lacking on central conditions, such as stroke and resulting spasticity.

Eligibility Criteria

Inclusion

Inclusion Criteria:

  • Age 30-80

  • Acute stroke (within 6 months of stroke), with spasticity & hemiparesis of LE

  • Referred by doctor for rehabilitation for a stroke-related condition

  • Attending Ascension Rehabilitation of Joliet for rehabilitation

  • Able to read or verbally understand English or Spanish

Exclusion

Exclusion Criteria:

  • Absent sensation of the areas to be cupped

  • Significant cognitive impairment

  • Pregnancy

  • Prescription anticoagulant medications

  • Blood clotting disorder

  • Uncontrolled hypertension

  • Uncontrolled diabetes

  • Open wounds within the cupping area

  • Current DVT

  • Hematoma over the cupping area

  • Fracture over the cupping area

  • Active cancer within the cupping area

  • Current use of Baclofen

  • Current use of Botox

  • Current use of an anti-spasticity medication

Study Design

Total Participants: 30
Treatment Group(s): 3
Primary Treatment: Dry Static Cupping
Phase:
Study Start date:
December 01, 2024
Estimated Completion Date:
January 31, 2026

Study Description

Cupping is an ancient alternative medicine. A common form of cupping, called dry static cupping, involves creating negative pressure inside a therapeutic cup. The cup is then placed on the skin, creating a light suction effect. In Eastern Medicine, cupping has been used to treat a variety of diseases. More recently, in Western society, cupping has been used after injury, and among other effects, has been found to improve blood volume and tissue oxygenation to an area. These effects have originally been thought to be peripheral in nature, occurring at the cupping site, hence, why cupping has been used for treatment for conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome, spinal pain, knee osteoarthritis, and other musculoskeletal conditions.

However, a recent systematic review found cupping to be beneficial for rehabilitation after stroke. These conclusions raise the question of a possible mechanism for cupping to improve impairments related to the central nervous system, such as spasticity after stroke. However, many of the studies to date have serious methodological flaws that limit the direct causation of cupping to the reduction of spasticity. As well, the majority of studies only involve the upper extremity. No study has yet looked at the therapeutic effects of dry static cupping on lower extremity spasticity reduction after stroke.

Connect with a study center

  • Ascension Rehabilitation of Joliet

    Joliet, Illinois 60435
    United States

    Active - Recruiting

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