Effect of acute unloaded leg cycling on spasticity in individuals with multiple sclerosis using anti-spastic medications

Int J Neurosci. 2007 Jul;117(7):895-901. doi: 10.1080/00207450600910671.

Abstract

This article examines the effect of a bout of unloaded leg cycling on the soleus H-reflex and modified Ashworth scale (MAS) in 6 individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS) who had spasticity of the leg muscles and were currently taking anti-spastic medications. H-reflex and MAS data were collected before and 10, 30, and 60 min after 20 min of unloaded leg cycling and a control condition. The unloaded leg cycling resulted in concomitant reductions in soleus H-reflex and MAS scores compared with the control condition. This provides a basis for incorporating exercise along with anti-spastic medications into a multifaceted plan for spasticity management in individuals with MS.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Combined Modality Therapy
  • Exercise Therapy / methods*
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • H-Reflex* / drug effects
  • Humans
  • Multiple Sclerosis / complications
  • Multiple Sclerosis / physiopathology
  • Multiple Sclerosis / therapy*
  • Muscle Spasticity / complications
  • Muscle Spasticity / therapy*
  • Muscle, Skeletal / drug effects
  • Muscle, Skeletal / physiopathology
  • Parasympatholytics / therapeutic use*
  • Physical Exertion
  • Severity of Illness Index

Substances

  • Parasympatholytics