Using TMS to reduce spasticity and improve balance in people with MS
Official title: The Effect of Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation on Spasticity and Balance in Patients Diagnosed With Multiple Sclerosis
Run by Ankara Etlik City Hospital · NCT07451600 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This trial will test whether repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) can reduce muscle spasticity and improve balance in adults with multiple sclerosis.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years to 60 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 24 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Ankara Etlik City Hospital Government |
| Locations | 1 site (Ankara, Yenimahalle) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | March 1, 2026 |
| Main results expected | October 31, 2026 |
| Study ends | November 30, 2026 |
| Registry record updated | April 3, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07451600 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Adults aged 18–60 with a confirmed MS diagnosis for more than six months, spasticity of 1–3 on the Modified Ashworth Scale in the target limb, EDSS 0–6.5, and willingness to participate are the intended candidates.
✕Probably not a fit
People with more severe disability (EDSS >6.5), contraindications to rTMS (for example, metal implants, pacemaker, epilepsy), other neurological diseases, or recent medication changes are unlikely to benefit from participation.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
Adults with multiple sclerosis and mild-to-moderate spasticity will receive either active rTMS applied to the motor cortex or a sham rTMS procedure, and outcomes will be compared between groups. Primary outcomes include changes in spasticity and balance, while secondary outcomes include gait pattern, joint range of motion, and pain. Clinical scales such as the Modified Ashworth Scale and EDSS will be used to quantify effects. Safety exclusions include epilepsy, metal implants, pacemakers, pregnancy, and unstable medical conditions.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, rTMS could reduce muscle stiffness and improve balance, making daily activities easier for people with MS.
How similar studies have gone: Previous small trials and pilot studies have shown promising but mixed results for rTMS reducing spasticity and improving motor function in MS, so the approach has some supporting evidence but is not yet definitive.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Being between the ages of 18 and 60 * Having been diagnosed with multiple sclerosis for more than six months * Having spasticity levels between 1 and 3 on the Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS) in the evaluated extremity * Having an EDSS SCORE between 0 and 6.5 * Voluntarily participating in the study Exclusion Criteria: * Poor general health (heart failure, COPD, etc.) * Presence of wound lesions on the skin * Presence of metal implants in the body * Pregnancy * Presence of a severe infection * Diagnosis of malignancy * Presence of a bleeding disorder * Use of a pacemaker * Presence of cardiac rhythm disorder * Presence of neurological disease other than multiple sclerosis * History of epilepsy * History of alcohol use * Change in medication within the last 6 months * Refusal to participate in the study
Where it's running
-
Ankara Etlik City Hospital
Ankara, Yenimahalle, Turkey (Türkiye) Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Melike Çil, specialist
- Email: melike9671@gmail.com
- Phone: +90 0312 797 00 00
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
-
Treadmill-based virtual reality walking training for MS patients
This study tests whether a treadmill with virtual reality and smart socks can help people with multiple sclerosis walk better and feel safer in daily life.
-
Virtual Reality and Mental Practice to Improve Balance and Walking in Relapsing MS
This study tests whether virtual reality training or mental practice can improve balance and walking in people with relapsing–remitting multiple sclerosis.
-
REAL-MS: A Look at Autologous Stem Cell Transplant vs High-Efficacy MS Therapies in Real-World Care
This study tests how AHSCT compares to high-efficacy MS medicines in adults treated in routine clinical care.
-
Tolebrutinib in real-world MS care for patients treated by clinicians
This real-world study sees how tolebrutinib is used for multiple sclerosis patients and what outcomes look like in everyday practice.
-
Pilates via live video vs. prerecorded videos for people with multiple sclerosis
This study tests whether live, coach-led Pilates sessions through video calls are more beneficial than prerecorded Pilates videos for adults with MS.
-
Cooling During Inpatient Rehab for People with MS
This trial tests whether wearing a cooling vest during intensive training can reduce fatigue and improve walking, strength, balance, and cognition in people with multiple sclerosis during a 3-week inpatient rehab stay.
How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.