Arm and leg spasticity patterns and their effect on quality of life in people with multiple sclerosis
Classification of Upper and Lower Limb Spasticity Patterns and Their Impact on Quality of Life in Patients With Multiple Sclerosis
Researchers will try to classify common arm and leg spasticity patterns in adults with MS and see how those patterns relate to walking, hand function, and quality of life.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Enrollment | 75 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Marmara University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Istanbul) |
| Trial ID | NCT07466823 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This is a prospective cross-sectional study recruiting adults with MS and clinical spasticity from a tertiary outpatient clinic at Marmara University Pendik Training and Research Hospital. Spasticity will be measured with the Modified Ashworth Scale and limb postures will be recorded to define upper and lower extremity patterns. Functional performance will be tested with the Timed 25-Foot Walk and the 9-Hole Peg Test, and participants will complete a quality-of-life questionnaire. The goal is to create a classification of spasticity patterns and explore which patterns are linked to worse function and quality of life to inform individualized rehabilitation and treatment planning.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Adults (≥18 years) diagnosed with multiple sclerosis by the 2024 McDonald criteria who have clinical spasticity (Modified Ashworth Scale ≥1) and can provide informed consent are ideal candidates.
Not a fit: People without clinical spasticity, those with other orthopedic or neurologic movement disorders, recent botulinum toxin treatment (within 3 months), prior upper-extremity spasticity surgery, or significant cognitive impairment are unlikely to benefit from this classification-focused work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the findings could help clinicians target rehabilitation and botulinum toxin treatments more precisely to improve function and quality of life for people with MS and spasticity.
How similar studies have performed: Previous spasticity-pattern classifications have shown utility in stroke and other upper motor neuron disorders, but detailed, validated pattern data specific to multiple sclerosis are limited.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Diagnosis of multiple sclerosis according to the 2024 McDonald criteria * Age ≥ 18 years * Presence of clinical spasticity defined as Modified Ashworth Scale score ≥ 1 in at least one joint * Ability to understand study procedures and provide informed consent * Absence of significant cognitive impairment Exclusion Criteria: * Presence of orthopedic, rheumatologic, or neurological conditions affecting movement other than multiple sclerosis * Botulinum toxin type A injection within the previous 3 months * Previous surgical treatment for upper extremity spasticity * Bone deformities affecting the upper extremity * Inability or unwillingness to provide informed consent * Presence of cognitive impairment
Where this trial is running
Istanbul
- Marmara Üniversitesi Tıp Fakültesi, Istanbul, Maltepe 34854 — Istanbul, Turkey (Türkiye) (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Fatma Saika Kahvecioglu Atabay
- Email: saikakahvecioglu@gmail.com
- Phone: +90 5346588929
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.