Trial results for an evaluation of spasticity management programs for people with Multiple Sclerosis were posted on ClinicalTrials.gov on 2026-03-11. The study enrolled 232 participants to compare two different video teleconference-based interventions.
Background
Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a chronic, often progressive disease of the central nervous system, and spasticity is a common and often debilitating symptom, particularly affecting the lower limbs. Effective management of spasticity is crucial for improving quality of life and functional independence for individuals with MS. This trial investigated two distinct video teleconference-delivered exercise programs designed to help manage MS-related spasticity.
Trial design
This study, designated as Phase NA, enrolled 232 participants diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis. The trial aimed to examine the impacts of two different methods of managing MS-related spasticity of the lower limbs. Both interventions were presented via video teleconference in group classes consisting of exercises to reduce spasticity. The two intervention arms were "Spasticity Take Control" and "Stretching for People With MS: An Illustrated Manual".
Key results
The study reported on several key measurements:
- Impact of Spasticity, Measured by the Multiple Sclerosis Spasticity Scale-88:
- For the "Spasticity Take Control" group, the mean change was -16.11 (Standard Deviation 34.14 units on a scale).
- For the "Stretching for People With MS: An Illustrated Manual" group, the mean change was -15.83 (Standard Deviation 37.33 units on a scale).
- Another measurement for "Spasticity Take Control" showed a mean change of -23.25 (Standard Deviation 38.96 units on a scale).
- Another measurement for "Stretching for People With MS: An Illustrated Manual" showed a mean change of -24.11 (Standard Deviation 41.20 units on a scale).
- Severity of Spasticity, Measured by the Numeric Rating Scale for Spasticity:
- For the "Spasticity Take Control" group, the mean change was -0.41 (Standard Deviation 2.38 units on a scale).
- For the "Stretching for People With MS: An Illustrated Manual" group, the mean change was -0.45 (Standard Deviation 2.14 units on a scale).
- Fatigue, Measured by the Modified Fatigue Impact Scale:
- For the "Spasticity Take Control" group, the mean change was -6.24 (Standard Deviation 11.35 units on a scale).
- For the "Stretching for People With MS: An Illustrated Manual" group, the mean change was -5.16 (Standard Deviation 10.38 units on a scale).
- Sleep Quality and Quantity, Measured by the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index:
- For the "Spasticity Take Control" group, the mean change was -0.69 (Standard Deviation 2.88 units on a scale).
- For the "Stretching for People With MS: An Illustrated Manual" group, the mean change was -0.31 (Standard Deviation 2.60 units on a scale).
- Psychological and Physical Impact on Day-to-day Life, Measured by the Multiple Sclerosis Impact Scale-29 (MSIS-29):
- For the "Spasticity Take Control" group, the mean change was -5.01 (Standard Deviation 15.45 units on a scale).
- For the "Stretching for People With MS: An Illustrated Manual" group, the mean change was -4.74 (Standard Deviation 13.45 units on a scale).
What this means
The results indicate that both "Spasticity Take Control" and "Stretching for People With MS: An Illustrated Manual" programs were associated with observed reductions in the impact and severity of spasticity in individuals with Multiple Sclerosis. Participants in both groups also reported improvements in fatigue, sleep quality, and the overall psychological and physical impact of MS on their daily lives. These findings suggest that accessible video teleconference-based exercise programs could offer a beneficial approach to managing a range of MS symptoms.
Source
The information for these trial results was obtained from ClinicalTrials.gov, a public database of clinical studies. The results for the study NCT03166930, titled "Evaluation of a Spasticity Management Program for People With Multiple Sclerosis", were posted on 2026-03-11 on clinicaltrials.gov.