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Evidence summaries

Treatment for Spasticity in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis/Motor Neuron Disease

The evidence is insufficient to determine whether individualized moderate intensity endurance type exercises for the trunk and limbs are beneficial or harmful for spasticity in motor neuron disease. Level of evidence: "D"

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).

References

  • Ashworth NL, Satkunam LE, Deforge D. Treatment for spasticity in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis/motor neuron disease. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2012;2:CD004156. [PubMed]

Primary/Secondary Keywords