The Effect of Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation on Spasticity in Patients with Multiple Sclerosis

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: This randomized controlled study examined the effect of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) on spasticity in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). METHODS: This study included 16 patients with a history of MS and spasticity in the adductor hip muscles according to the Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS). The participants were randomized into the active group (n=10) and control group (n=6), in which active rTMS and sham rTMS were applied in 10 sessions, respectively. A physical therapy and rehabilitation program was applied along with rTMS sessions in both groups. The evaluation parameters were assessed at baseline and then 1 week and 1 month after applying rTMS. RESULTS: Statistical analyses with post-hoc correction revealed statistically significant improvements in the active group compared to the control group in the bilateral MAS score, Penn Spasm Frequency Scale score, patient satisfaction, amount of urine leakage, actual health status, perceived health status, energy and fatigue, role limitations due to physical problems, social function, overall quality of life, cognitive functioning, physical health composite score, mental health composite score, and total score on the Multiple Sclerosis Quality of Life-54 (MSQOL-54) (p<0.05). Statistically significant changes were detected in the MSQOL-54 social function and physical health composite scores of patients in the control group (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Active rTMS combined with a physical therapy program reduced spasticity in MS patients compared to the control group that received only physical therapy. Further comprehensive and more advanced studies are needed to confirm the present findings.