Spasticity patterns assessment and recognition for therapeutic approaches (SPARTA) in multiple sclerosis: a...

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Rehabilitation Medicine
• Epidemiology

Background:

• Spasticity and muscle weakness are primary disabling symptoms in people with Multiple Sclerosis (pwMS), often impacting lower limbs and leading to motor deficits, fatigue, and falls.
• Limited data exists on the combined patterns, symmetry, and localization of muscle weakness and spasticity in pwMS.

Purpose of the Study:

• To characterize prevalent combined patterns of muscle weakness and spasticity in people with Multiple Sclerosis (pwMS).
• To inform functional balance assessments prior to spasticity treatment.

Main Methods:

• Recruited pwMS with lower limb spasticity (EDSS 3.5–6.5).
• Collected data on muscle weakness, spasticity, symmetry, and other functional system involvement.
• Performed prevalence analysis to identify combined patterns.

Main Results:

• Included 300 pwMS; muscle weakness and spasticity were predominantly asymmetric, with paraparesis being common.
• Symptom incidence, especially muscle weakness, increased with higher Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) scores.
• Identified 12 prevalent combined patterns, with "distal-intermediate spasticity and diffuse weakness" (29.3%) being most frequent.

Conclusions:

• Highlighted prevalent combined patterns of weakness and spasticity in pwMS.
• Findings support clinical practice by aiding assessment and optimizing pharmacologic and rehabilitative treatment planning.