- ICH GCP
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- Sperimentazione clinica NCT07321158
L'Efficacia di Diverse Durate dell'Impulso della NMES nei Pazienti con Spasticità Correlata al Tratto Piramidale Misurata mediante Strumenti Neurofisiologici (PD-NMES-SPAS)
L'Efficacia della Stimolazione Elettrica Neuromuscolare (NMES) con Durata dell'Impulso Elevata versus Bassa nei Pazienti con Spasticità dell'Arto Superiore correlata al Tratto Piramidale Misurata con Strumenti Neurofisiologici: Uno Studio Randomizzato Controllato
Spasticity is a common symptom that affects more than 50% of patients with upper motor neuron lesions due to damage on pyramidal tract. Despite the current pharmacological and physical therapy rehabilitation methods, previous studies have highlighted the beneficial role of Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation (NMES) on managing upper limb spasticity. However, due to heterogeneity of application parameters there is a lack of a standardized protocol for spasticity management. The aim of the study will be to examine the effects of high versus low pulse duration neuromuscular electrical stimulation on upper limb spasticity on patients with pyramidal tract-related spasticity.
A total of 45 patients will be randomized (1:1:1 ratio) to either high pulse duration NMES (HPD-NMES) or low pulse duration NMES (LPD-NMES) or Control group, receiving the standard of care. Randomization will be performed by an independent investigator, who will allocate participants to one of three groups, using a random number generator, prior to baseline assessment. Each group will receive a 15min-conventional-physiotherapeutic protocol. HPD-NMES and LPD-NMES will receive an additional 30min-NMES protocol of high and low pulse duration, respectively. Pre and post intervention spasticity will be evaluated using Range of Motion (ROM) of the elbow joint through electronic goniometer, Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS) and surface electromyography (EMG). Furthermore, Modified Barthel Index (MBI) and 12-version of World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule (WHODAs) will be used for evaluating participants' quality of life. Statistical analysis will aim to highlight the effects of NMES both on the EMG-electrophysiological parameters and on clinical evaluation scales. Additionally, it will seek to determine which of the two NMES pulse durations produced more beneficial results in reducing spasticity levels.
Panoramica dello studio
Stato
Descrizione dettagliata
Spasticity can be characterized as a clinical phenotype related to upper motor neuron syndrome and is highly correlated with pyramidal tract lesions, leading to patients' quality of life degradation. The assessment of spasticity encompasses both clinical rating scales (such as Modified Ashworh Scale, Modified Tardieu Scale and Composite Spasticity Scale) and neurophysiological approaches through surface electromyography (such as Hoffmann reflex (H-reflex) , Mwave, and Hmax/Mmax ratio (or M/H amplitude ratio), which seem to be elevated in spasticity. A wide spectrum of therapeutic modalities, including pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions, have been developed for the management of spasticity. Among non-pharmacological interventions, physical therapy through Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation can be used to manage upper and lower limb spasticity through the reduction of stretch reflex excitability, facilitation reciprocal inhibition and spinal excitability modulation.
This randomized controlled trial consists of:
- Participants randomization into one control group (group A, n=15) and two intervention groups: group B (High Pulse Duration Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation/HPD-NMES, n=15), group C (Low Pulse Duration Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation/LPD-NMES, n=15).
- Conventional Physiotherapy training program for 15 minutes per session, 3 times per week for 6 weeks total (groups A, B,C) and Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation protocol for 30 minutes per session, 3 times per week for 6 weeks total (Group B=HPD-NMES and Group C=LPD-NMES)
- Primary spasticity evaluation tool at baseline and post intervention (6weeks) through surface electromyography.
- Secondary spasticity evaluation tools (Modified Ashworth Scale/MAS, Range of Motion/ROM, Modified Barthel Index/MBI and 12 version World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule 2.0/ WHODAS 2.0) at baseline and post-intervention (6 weeks).
Statistical analysis will aim to highlight the effects of NMES both on the EMG-electrophysiological parameters and on clinical evaluation scales. Additionally, it will seek to determine which of the two NMES pulse durations produced more beneficial results in reducing spasticity levels.
Tipo di studio
Iscrizione (Effettivo)
Fase
- Non applicabile
Contatti e Sedi
Luoghi di studio
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Attica
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Athens, Attica, Grecia, 12462
- Attikon Hospital
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Criteri di partecipazione
Criteri di ammissibilità
Età idonea allo studio
Accetta volontari sani
Sessi ammissibili allo studio
Descrizione
Inclusion Criteria:
- diagnosis by neurologist with first damage of pyramidal tract with upper limb spasticity
- absence of cognitive dysfunction
- normal vital signs
- absence of pharmacological treatment of spasticity (per os pharmacological treatment does not affect spasticity results and was not an exclusion criteria on patients' recruitment).
Exclusion Criteria:
- prior neurological damage to pyramidal tract
- cognitive decline
- dermatological damages
- prior musculoskeletal dysfunction on the upper limb with spasticity
- presence of metallic residues on the spastic upper limb
- presence of seizures or psychiatric disorders
- severe malformation or obesity (BMI >30kg/m2)
- history of coronary or other cardiovascular diseases (deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism)
- presence of systematic inflammatory disease
- cancer on terminal stages
- pregnancy.
Piano di studio
Come è strutturato lo studio?
Dettagli di progettazione
- Scopo principale: Trattamento
- Assegnazione: Randomizzato
- Modello interventistico: Assegnazione parallela
- Mascheramento: Triplicare
Armi e interventi
Gruppo di partecipanti / Arm |
Intervento / Trattamento |
|---|---|
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Sperimentale: High Pulse Duration Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation (HPD-NMES)
Participants will receive 15 minutes Conventional physiotherapy training program (same as control group) and 30 minutes High Pulse Duration Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation (HPD-NMES) |
30 minutes High Pulse Duration Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation (HPD-NMES)
Altri nomi:
Conventional physiotherapy training program
Altri nomi:
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Sperimentale: Low Pulse Duration Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation (LPD-NMES)
Participants will receive 15 minutes Conventional physiotherapy training program (same as control group) and 30 minutes Low Pulse Duration Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation (LPD-NMES) |
Conventional physiotherapy training program
Altri nomi:
30 minutes Low Pulse Duration Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation (LPD-NMES)
Altri nomi:
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Altro: Control
Patients will receive 15 minute conventional physiotherapy training program that includes seated upper extremity program, single limb exercises, strength training, stretching training (with or without) external resistance, Neurofacilitatory techniques (ie. Propriocepive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF), NeuroDevelopmental Treatment -Bobath (NDT-Bobath) etc) |
Conventional physiotherapy training program
Altri nomi:
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Cosa sta misurando lo studio?
Misure di risultato primarie
Misura del risultato |
Misura Descrizione |
Lasso di tempo |
|---|---|---|
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Changes in surface electromyography (EMG) parameters
Lasso di tempo: Baseline and 6 weeks
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1. Changes in surface electromyography (EMG) parameters (Hoffmann reflex(H-reflex) of the flexor carpi radialis, M wave, F response of the median nerve, Hmax/Mmax ratio (or M/H amplitude ratio), motor unit number estimation (MUNE) and F response of the spastic upper limb). |
Baseline and 6 weeks
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Misure di risultato secondarie
Misura del risultato |
Misura Descrizione |
Lasso di tempo |
|---|---|---|
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Modified Ashworth Scale
Lasso di tempo: Baseline and 6 weeks
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1. Changes in Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS) scores. A 5-item evaluation scale that assessed muscle hypertonia. The minimum score is 0 (normal muscle tone) and the maximum is 4 (limb rigid). Higher scores indicate increase in spasticity. |
Baseline and 6 weeks
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Range Of Motion
Lasso di tempo: Baseline and 6 weeks
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Changes in Range of Motion (ROM) scores: The assessment will be conducted using an electronic goniometer to precisely determine the range of motion of the elbow joint affected by spasticity. Patients will be positioned in the supine position on the examination table with the affected side oriented toward the examiner. Then, the examiner will align the goniometer with anatomical landmarks the base of the goniometer over the lateral epicondyle of the humerus, the stable axis along the humerus and the movable axis along the radius. The angle of the elbow-flexion will be recorded, and the measured value will be substracted from 145o (the range of motion of a full elbow flexion) in order to calculate elbow extension. Decreases in elbow extension scores indicate reduction in spasticity levels. |
Baseline and 6 weeks
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Modified Barthel Index
Lasso di tempo: Baseline and 6 weeks
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Changes in Modified Barthel Index (MBI) scores. Modified Barthel Index is an evaluation scale that assesses patient's performance in activities of daily living. It consists of 10 domains with activities of daily living and mobility. Greater scores are correlated with decreased level of dependence |
Baseline and 6 weeks
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World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule 2.0
Lasso di tempo: Baseline and 6 weeks
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Changes in 12 version World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule 2.0 (WHODAS 2.0) scores: WHODAS 2.0 is an evaluation scale that assesses perceived disability associated with the health condition in the 30 days preceding its application. Is divided into six domains: i) cognition, ii) mobility, iii) self-care, iv) interpersonal relationships, v) activities of daily living and vi) participation. Each item is rated from 1 (no difficulty) to 5 (extreme difficulty or unable to do). Larger scores refer to larger disability. |
Baseline and 6 weeks
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Changes in biceps brachii diameter (Ultrasound, objective measure)
Lasso di tempo: Baseline and 6 weeks
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Biceps brachii diameter will be objectively assessed by standardized multi-mode ultrasound at baseline and in 6 weeks in all three study groups (HPD-NMES, LPD-NMES, and Control). The diameter's assessment will be measured on 90o elbow flexion and on 0ο extension.This non-invasive, safe and reproduciple measure requires minimal time and is conducted within scheduled study visits, without altering trial design, primary outcomes, or participant burden. |
Baseline and 6 weeks
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Collaboratori e investigatori
Sponsor
Collaboratori
Pubblicazioni e link utili
Pubblicazioni generali
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- Lance JW. The control of muscle tone, reflexes, and movement: Robert Wartenberg Lecture. Neurology. 1980 Dec;30(12):1303-13. doi: 10.1212/wnl.30.12.1303. No abstract available.
- Doucet BM, Lam A, Griffin L. Neuromuscular electrical stimulation for skeletal muscle function. Yale J Biol Med. 2012 Jun;85(2):201-15. Epub 2012 Jun 25.
- Francisco GE, McGuire JR. Poststroke spasticity management. Stroke. 2012 Nov;43(11):3132-6. doi: 10.1161/STROKEAHA.111.639831. Epub 2012 Sep 13. No abstract available.
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- Chasiotis AK, Giannopapas V, Papadopoulou M, Panagopoulos T, Stasinopoulos D, Giannopoulos S, Bakalidou D. High-Frequency Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation in the Management of Pyramidal Tract-Related Spasticity: A Systematic Review. Cureus. 2025 Jun 18;17(6):e86298. doi: 10.7759/cureus.86298. eCollection 2025 Jun.
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- Kai S, Nakabayashi K. Evoked EMG Makes Measurement of Muscle Tone Possible by Analysis of the H/M Ratio. [Internet]. Electrodiagnosis in New Frontiers of Clinical Research. InTech; 2013; doi: 10.5772/55783.
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- Papavasileiou A, Xenofondos A, Baudry S, Lapole T, Amiridis IG, Metaxiotis D, Tsatalas T, Patikas DA. Protocols Targeting Afferent Pathways via Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation for the Plantar Flexors: A Systematic Review. Sensors (Basel). 2023 Feb 20;23(4):2347. doi: 10.3390/s23042347.
- Scalia M, Borzuola R, Parrella M, Borriello G, Sica F, Monteleone F, Macaluso A. Neuromuscular electrical stimulation reduces spinal excitability in Multiple Sclerosis patients with spasticity symptoms. Mult Scler Relat Disord. 2025 Jul;99:106457. doi: 10.1016/j.msard.2025.106457. Epub 2025 Apr 19.
- Ferfeli S, Galanos A, Dontas IA, Triantafyllou A, Triantafyllopoulos IK, Chronopoulos E. Reliability and validity of the Greek adaptation of the Modified Barthel Index in neurorehabilitation patients. Eur J Phys Rehabil Med. 2024 Feb;60(1):44-54. doi: 10.23736/S1973-9087.23.08056-5. Epub 2023 Oct 25.
- Papadopoulou, M., Stasi, S., Bakalidou, D. et al. Psychometric Properties of the 12-Item World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule (WHODAS 2.0) in Adult Patients with Motor Disabilities. J Dev Phys Disabil 32, 801-819 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10882-019-09721-0
- Voerman GE, Fleuren JF, Kallenberg LA, Rietman JS, Snoek GJ, Hermens HJ. Patient ratings of spasticity during daily activities are only marginally associated with long-term surface electromyography. J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry. 2009 Feb;80(2):175-81. doi: 10.1136/jnnp.2008.147090. Epub 2008 Oct 23.
- Burridge JH, Wood DE, Hermens HJ, Voerman GE, Johnson GR, van Wijck F, Platz T, Gregoric M, Hitchcock R, Pandyan AD. Theoretical and methodological considerations in the measurement of spasticity. Disabil Rehabil. 2005 Jan 7-21;27(1-2):69-80. doi: 10.1080/09638280400014592.
- Nakipoglu Yuzer GF, Kose Donmez B, Ozgirgin N. A Randomized Controlled Study: Effectiveness of Functional Electrical Stimulation on Wrist and Finger Flexor Spasticity in Hemiplegia. J Stroke Cerebrovasc Dis. 2017 Jul;26(7):1467-1471. doi: 10.1016/j.jstrokecerebrovasdis.2017.03.011. Epub 2017 Apr 24.
- He YL, Gao Y, Fan BY. Effectiveness of neuromuscular electrical stimulation combined with rehabilitation training for treatment of post-stroke limb spasticity. Medicine (Baltimore). 2019 Sep;98(39):e17261. doi: 10.1097/MD.0000000000017261.
- Allen, K., Goodman, C. Using Electrical Stimulation: A Guideline for Allied Health Professionals [Internet]. New South Wales, Australia: Sydney Local Health District and Royal Rehabilitation Centre; 2014. Report No.: Clinical Guideline; https://www.alliedhealthsupport.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/Using-Electrical-Stimulation_A-guideline-for-allied-health-professionals-January-2014.pdf
- Hsu SS, Hu MH, Luh JJ, Wang YH, Yip PK, Hsieh CL. Dosage of neuromuscular electrical stimulation: is it a determinant of upper limb functional improvement in stroke patients? J Rehabil Med. 2012 Feb;44(2):125-30. doi: 10.2340/16501977-0917.
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- Castel-Lacanal E. Sites of electrical stimulation used in neurology. Ann Phys Rehabil Med. 2015 Sep;58(4):201-207. doi: 10.1016/j.rehab.2015.05.004. Epub 2015 Jul 14.
- Amiridis IG, Mani D, Almuklass A, Matkowski B, Gould JR, Enoka RM. Modulation of motor unit activity in biceps brachii by neuromuscular electrical stimulation applied to the contralateral arm. J Appl Physiol (1985). 2015 Jun 15;118(12):1544-52. doi: 10.1152/japplphysiol.00031.2015. Epub 2015 Apr 30.
- Stowe AM, Hughes-Zahner L, Barnes VK, Herbelin LL, Schindler-Ivens SM, Quaney BM. A pilot study to measure upper extremity H-reflexes following neuromuscular electrical stimulation therapy after stroke. Neurosci Lett. 2013 Feb 22;535:1-6. doi: 10.1016/j.neulet.2012.11.063. Epub 2013 Jan 8.
- Xie T, Leng Y, Zhi Y, Jiang C, Tian N, Luo Z, Yu H, Song R. Increased Muscle Activity Accompanying With Decreased Complexity as Spasticity Appears: High-Density EMG-Based Case Studies on Stroke Patients. Front Bioeng Biotechnol. 2020 Nov 16;8:589321. doi: 10.3389/fbioe.2020.589321. eCollection 2020.
- King TI II. The effect of neuromuscular electrical stimulation in reducing tone. Am J Occup Ther. 1996 Jan;50(1):62-4. doi: 10.5014/ajot.50.1.62. No abstract available.
- Clair-Auger JM, Collins DF, Dewald JP. The effects of wide pulse neuromuscular electrical stimulation on elbow flexion torque in individuals with chronic hemiparetic stroke. Clin Neurophysiol. 2012 Nov;123(11):2247-55. doi: 10.1016/j.clinph.2012.04.024. Epub 2012 May 22.
- Malhotra S, Rosewilliam S, Hermens H, Roffe C, Jones P, Pandyan AD. A randomized controlled trial of surface neuromuscular electrical stimulation applied early after acute stroke: effects on wrist pain, spasticity and contractures. Clin Rehabil. 2013 Jul;27(7):579-90. doi: 10.1177/0269215512464502. Epub 2012 Nov 5.
- Stein C, Fritsch CG, Robinson C, Sbruzzi G, Plentz RD. Effects of Electrical Stimulation in Spastic Muscles After Stroke: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. Stroke. 2015 Aug;46(8):2197-205. doi: 10.1161/STROKEAHA.115.009633. Epub 2015 Jul 14.
- Takeda K, Tanino G, Miyasaka H. Review of devices used in neuromuscular electrical stimulation for stroke rehabilitation. Med Devices (Auckl). 2017 Aug 24;10:207-213. doi: 10.2147/MDER.S123464. eCollection 2017.
- Huang Y, Nam C, Li W, Rong W, Xie Y, Liu Y et al. A comparison of the rehabilitation effectiveness of neuromuscular electrical stimulation robotic hand training and pure robotic hand training after stroke: A randomized controlled trial. Biomedical Signal Processing and Control. 2020 Feb;56:101723. doi: 10.1016/j.bspc.2019.101723
- Picelli A, Tamburin S, Gajofatto F, Zanette G, Praitano M, Saltuari L, Corradini C, Smania N. Association between severe upper limb spasticity and brain lesion location in stroke patients. Biomed Res Int. 2014;2014:162754. doi: 10.1155/2014/162754. Epub 2014 May 25.
- Cho MJ, Yeo SS, Lee SJ, Jang SH. Correlation between spasticity and corticospinal/corticoreticular tract status in stroke patients after early stage. Medicine (Baltimore). 2023 Apr 25;102(17):e33604. doi: 10.1097/MD.0000000000033604.
- Lee D, Song J, Kim JW, Ahn TB. Spasticity secondary to isolated involvement of the pyramidal tract. J Neurol Sci. 2016 Sep 15;368:130-1. doi: 10.1016/j.jns.2016.06.072. Epub 2016 Jul 1. No abstract available.
- de Oliveira-Souza R. Damage to the pyramidal tracts is necessary and sufficient for the production of the pyramidal syndrome in man. Med Hypotheses. 2015 Jul;85(1):99-110. doi: 10.1016/j.mehy.2015.04.007. Epub 2015 Apr 29.
- Lohia A, McKenzie J. Neuroanatomy, Pyramidal Tract Lesions. 2023 Jul 24. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2026 Jan-. Available from http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK540976/
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Maggiori informazioni
Termini relativi a questo studio
Parole chiave
Termini MeSH pertinenti aggiuntivi
- Manifestazioni neurologiche
- Malattie muscoloscheletriche
- Malattie del sistema nervoso
- Malattie muscolari
- Ipertono muscolare
- Manifestazioni neuromuscolari
- Condizioni patologiche, segni e sintomi
- Segni e sintomi
- Spasticità muscolare
- Tecniche investigative
- Progetto di ricerca epidemiologica
- Metodi epidemiologici
- Progetto di ricerca
- Metodi
- Gruppi di controllo
Altri numeri di identificazione dello studio
- 45492/16-05-2025
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