Effects of RESWT on Triceps Surae Hypertonia in People with MS
In a study involving 26 individuals with MS, results indicated that scoring on the Modified Ashworth Scale and Numerical Rating Scale for spasticity decreased after four weeks of RESWT. Furthermore, 73% of participants reported a perceived benefit of RESWT on spasticity, despite no significant changes observed in gait, strength, or dynamic balance assessments.
- Tags
- #MSResearch
- Most relevant to
- —
- Human efficacy
- Demonstrated in people
- Mechanism
- Not reported
- Evidence strength
- Limited
- Outcome
- Positive
Why it matters
These findings suggest that RESWT may help reduce spasticity in MS patients over a short term, offering potential benefits without negative impacts on mobility or strength.
What this does not prove
However, the study's findings are limited in scope, and long-term effects of RESWT need further investigation; the results do not establish a definitive treatment protocol for spasticity in MS.
Next milestone
No next milestone was established from the available source.
Study facts
- Study design
- Interventional
- Participants / samples
- 26 · basis not reported
- Randomised
- Not reported
- Controlled
- Not reported
- Primary endpoint met
- Not reported
- Relevant MS type
- Not reported
- Publication date
- 2026-05-11
- Evidence reviewed
- Abstract only
- Regulatory approval
- Not reported
- Research areas
- Not classified
- Biological target
- Not reported
- Pathway
- Not reported
- Population
- People with MS, with triceps surae muscle hypertonia, mean age 52.46 years, mean disease duration 14.88 years
- Size of effect
- Not reported
- Secondary endpoints
- MRC scale; Timed Up and Go (TUG) test; Timed 25-Foot Walk (T25-FW) test
- MRI endpoints
- Not reported
- Biomarkers
- Not reported
- Safety
- Not reported
Original sources
- Primary evidenceRadial Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy for Triceps Surae Spasticity in People With Multiple Sclerosis: A Pilot Study. ↗DOI: 10.7224/1537-2073.2024-089
Supporting passages (11)
study designThe participants underwent triceps surae RESWT once a week for 4 weeks.
subjectsMETHODS: Two centers recruited people 18 years or older with MS and triceps surae muscle hypertonia.
sample sizeRESULTS: Twenty-six people with MS were included (10 women and 16 men; mean age ± SD, 52.46 ± 8.39 years; mean Expanded Disability Status Scale score ± SD, 5.44 ± 1.34; mean disease duration ± SD, 14.88 ± 10.83 years), and 36 triceps surae were treated.
populationParticipants were scored on the Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS), the Numerical Rating Scale for spasticity (NRS-Sp), the Medical Research Council (MRC) scale, the Timed Up and Go (TUG) test, and the Timed 25-Foot Walk (T25-FW) test before RESWT (T0) and immediately after RESWT (T1).
secondary endpointsSelf-perceived effect was evaluated via the Global Perceived Effect (GPE) at T1.
outcomeCONCLUSIONS: RESWT may be efficacious and safe for treating spasticity in people with MS and does not adversely affect gait, strength, or dynamic balance.
human efficacy73% of participants reported a self-perceived positive effect of RESWT on spasticity.
limitationsFurther long-term studies are needed to evaluate the possibility of using RESWT as a treatment for spasticity in people with MS.
findingsRESULTS: Twenty-six people with MS were included (10 women and 16 men; mean age ± SD, 52.46 ± 8.39 years; mean Expanded Disability Status Scale score ± SD, 5.44 ± 1.34; mean disease duration ± SD, 14.88 ± 10.83 years), and 36 triceps surae were treated. MAS and NRS-Sp scores decreased at T1, whereas TUG, T25-FW, and MRC scores were comparable over time. Via the GPE, 73% of participants reported a self-perceived positive effect of RESWT on spasticity.
publication datePublication date: 2026-05-11
peer reviewedPublication types: Journal Article
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