Abstract:

Purpose: Spasticity is a common problem among people with Multiple Sclerosis (MS). This study aimed to compare the effects of static stretching exercise (SSE) and functional stretching exercise (FSE) on lower limb spasticity, function, lower limb pain, active range of motion (ROM), and health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in patient with MS. Methods: Twenty-six participants were randomly allocated into two groups. SSE group (n=12) completed a four-week (12 sessions) SSE of hamstrings, quadriceps, hip adductors and plantar flexors muscles. FSE group 2 (n=12) completed a four-week (12 sessions) FSE of the same muscles. The outcome measures were Modified Modified Ashworth Scale, Timed Up and Go Test, Timed 25 Foot Walk Test, active ROM assessment, Visual Analogue Scale, and EuroQoL 5-Dimension 5-Level questionnaire. Results: In each group, decrease of spasticity, improvement of functional tests, decrease of pain, increase of ROM and increase of HRQOL were statistically significant compared to baseline (p<0.05). There were no significant differences between both groups in all variables before and after treatment (p>0.05). A strong correlation was found between decreased spasticity and functional improvement in the SSE group (r=0.793, p=0.002). In the FSE group, there were moderate correlations between decreased spasticity and increased ROM (r=0.689, p=0.013) and between increased ROM and functional improvement (r=0.593, p=0.042). There was also a strong correlation between decreased spasticity and increased HRQOL (r=0.721, p=0.006). Conclusion: The regular four-weeks of SSE or FSE can decrease lower limb spasticity, improve function, decrease pain, increase active ROM and increase HRQOL in patients with MS.

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