Change in upper limb function in people with multiple sclerosis treated with nabiximols: a quantitative kinematic...

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Rehabilitation Medicine
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Nabiximols is an add-on therapy for multiple sclerosis (MS) spasticity in patients unresponsive or intolerant to other treatments.
• While its effectiveness is known, quantitative data on motor function impact are limited.
• This study focuses on upper limb functionality in people with MS (PwMS).

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the impact of a 4-week nabiximols treatment on upper limb functionality in PwMS.
• To quantify changes in motor skills and spasticity severity.
• To explore the utility of kinematic analysis in evaluating treatment effects.

Main Methods:

• A 4-week open-label study involving 13 PwMS with moderate-severe spasticity.
• Clinical tests included Box and Block (BBT) and Nine-Hole Peg test (9HPT) for dexterity.
• Instrumental kinematic analysis of hand-to-mouth (HTM) movements using optical motion capture.

Main Results:

• Significant improvements in gross and fine dexterity (BBT +3 blocks/min, 9HPT -2.9 s).
• Kinematic analysis showed faster, smoother, and more stable HTM movements (1.69 vs. 1.83 s).
• A significant reduction in spasticity severity was observed (4.2 vs. 6.3 on a numerical rating scale).

Conclusions:

• A 4-week nabiximols treatment ameliorates spasticity and improves upper limb motor function in PwMS.
• Quantitative movement analysis provides valuable insights into treatment-induced changes in daily living tasks.
• Nabiximols shows promise for enhancing motor function in MS-related spasticity.