A Cochrane review [Abstract] 1 included one study with a total of 25 subjects with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. The included study was a trial of moderate intensity, endurance type exercise versus 'usual activities' in 25 patients . At three months patients performing the 15 minute twice daily exercises had significantly less spasticity overall (mean reduction of -0.43, 95% CI -1.03 to +0.17 in the treatment group versus an increase of +0.25, 95% CI -0.46 to +0.96 in control) but the mean change between groups was not significant (-0.68, 95% CI -1.62 to +0.26), as measured by the Ashworth scale. No analysis was possible at 9 and 12 months.
Comment: The quality of evidence is downgraded by study quality (inadequate allocation concealment and blinding, high drop-out rate, short follow-up time) and imprecise results (few patients and wide confidence intervals).
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