To evaluate the effectiveness of combining focal extracorporeal shock wave therapy (fESWT) with botulinum toxin injections (BTI) for treating spasticity in people with multiple sclerosis (PwMS), focusing on immediate and sustained outcomes.
Approach:
Key Findings:
Fifteen PwMS were enrolled in the study.
93.3% of subjects reported immediate benefit from the treatment, confirmed 28 days later.
53.3% of subjects reported sustained benefit in spasticity.
Significant effects were found for mAS and iPSFS in the all-muscles analysis, indicating statistical significance.
Significant effects on mAS were observed in specific muscle groups including adductors, rectus femoris, hamstrings, and triceps surae.
Interpretation:
The study suggests that the combination of fESWT and BTI is effective for managing MS-related spasticity, providing immediate relief while allowing botulinum toxin to take full effect.
Limitations:
Small sample size of 15 participants.
Retrospective design may limit the strength of conclusions.
Lack of a control group limits the ability to draw definitive conclusions.
Conclusion:
The combined treatment approach may offer a rapid and sustained therapeutic effect for spasticity in PwMS.
Federal prosecutors allege that a Florida physician and research staff fabricated clinical trial records that were submitted into database systems used to evaluate investigational drugs.
