placebo + physical rehabilitation

The combination of a placebo injection and physical rehabilitation is a control intervention used in clinical research, specifically in a study conducted by **Emory University** to evaluate treatments for **post-stroke spasticity**. The pharmacological component involves intramuscular injections of sterile saline (0.9% sodium chloride) into affected muscles of the arm and hand, mimicking the administration of botulinum toxin without providing active medication. This is paired with a structured physical rehabilitation program consisting of one-hour sessions that include repetitive task practice, strengthening exercises, and functional activities related to daily living. This dual-modality approach allows researchers to isolate the therapeutic effects of the active drug from the benefits of physical therapy and the psychological impact of receiving an injection.

Other names

Placebo and rehabsaline and rehabsaline + physical rehabilitation