Gentle spinal stimulation may ease leg stiffness in progressive MS

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Interest

Key Takeaway

Repeated sessions of gentle electrical stimulation over the spine (tSCS) may help reduce leg spasticity in people with progressive MS.

What They Found

Researchers gave nine people with progressive MS short sessions of transcutaneous spinal cord stimulation (tSCS) twice a week for four weeks and checked muscle tightness and walking. They found moderate to large reductions in spasticity (muscle stiffness and involuntary tightness) after about seven treatments, and some of this benefit lasted at least one week after stopping. Walking tests showed mixed results — some people had small improvements while others did not change much, so the effect on walking is unclear. Patients reported feeling less fatigue after the treatment, but they did not say their walking problems felt better. Small improvements in hip and knee movement range were seen, meaning joints moved a bit more freely for some participants.

Who Should Care and Why

People with progressive MS who struggle with leg spasticity may be most interested because reduced stiffness can make daily tasks — like standing up, getting out of a chair, or dressing — easier. Caregivers may notice transfers or dressing become somewhat smoother if stiffness is lowered, which can reduce physical strain on both the person with MS and the helper. Physical therapists and neurologists could consider tSCS as a possible add-on therapy to try when standard treatments (like stretching, medications, or exercise) are not enough, keeping in mind this is early evidence. Think of tSCS like a gentle nudge to the spinal nerves that helps muscles relax a bit, similar to how a short massage can loosen a tight muscle temporarily. However, because the study had only a few people and no comparison group, clinicians would use this information as a reason to explore larger studies rather than as proof it will work for everyone.

Important Considerations

This was a small, uncontrolled case series with only nine participants, so results might not apply to all people with progressive MS. Without a comparison group (like a sham or standard care group), we can't be sure the improvements came from tSCS rather than other factors like extra attention, placebo effect, or normal day-to-day changes. Larger, randomized controlled trials are needed to confirm who benefits, how long effects last, and whether walking and other real-life functions truly improve.

Categories:

Treatment Updates Specific Symptoms Clinical Trials

Whether you’ve recently been diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) or are seeking to broaden your understanding of this complex, neurodegenerative disease, navigating the latest research can feel overwhelming. Studies published in respected medical journals like IEEE transactions on neural systems and rehabilitation engineering : a publication of the IEEE Engineering in Medicine and Biology Society often range from early-stage, exploratory work to advanced clinical trials. These evidence-based findings help shape new disease-modifying therapies, guide symptom management techniques, and deepen our knowledge of MS progression.

However, not all research is created equal. Some clinical research studies may have smaller sample sizes, evolving methodologies, or limitations that warrant careful interpretation. For a more comprehensive, accurate understanding, we recommend reviewing the original source material—accessible via the More Details section above—and consulting with healthcare professionals who specialize in MS care.

By presenting a wide range of MS-focused studies—spanning cutting-edge treatments, emerging therapies, and established best practices—we aim to empower patients, caregivers, and clinicians to stay informed and make well-informed decisions when managing Multiple Sclerosis.

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