Stretching program for spasticity shows benefits
With spasticity representing a key contributor to MS pain and affecting more than 80% of people with MS, Ms. Hugos and colleagues are developing an alternative to medication – a nonpharmacologic stretching regimen called Spasticity: Take Control” (STC).
Based on evidence-based strategies for the treatment of spasticity in MS, the program involves exercises with daily routines of 15-20 minutes over 6 months.
In a pilot study of 66 patients, also presented at the ACTRIMS meeting, the investigators reported that the program showed significant reductions in pain severity and interference, measured with the Brief Pain Inventory–Short Form, compared with a control consisting of range of motion instruction over 6 months.
The study also offered insights on the specific areas of pain. Among those who reported chronic pain (42% in the STC group and 63.3% in the range-of-motion group), the pain was most frequently reported in the lower back (74.3%), legs (68.6%), or lower back and legs (88.6%).
Ms. Hugos noted that the findings suggest a potentially important nonpharmacologic alternative to spasticity-related pain in MS.
“Stretching is the cornerstone treatment for spasticity from all causes, but there is very little information on stretching exercises in MS or any other conditions,” Ms. Hugos said. “[Our] pilot study is the first and only study using a standardized, daily stretching exercise program to treat MS spasticity,” she said.
“A fully powered study is needed to better understand the impact of different types of exercise on pain severity and interference in multiple sclerosis,” she noted.
Ms. Hugos has received consulting fees from Greenwich Biosciences, Evidera, and Techspert.io. Dr. Cohen has received personal compensation for consulting for Adamas, Atara, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Convelo, MedDay, and Mylan.
A version of this article first appeared on Medscape.com.