Recently, non-invasive brain stimulation modalities such as transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) and transcranial direct current stimulation have become treatment options. Among these methods, rTMS is a non-invasive brain stimulation technique that can affect descending corticospinal pathways, thereby modulating cortical excitability in the motor area where it is applied. This study will examine the effect of rTMS application on spasticity and balance in patients with multiple sclerosis. In addition, the indirect effects of the applications on gait pattern, joint range of motion, and pain will be evaluated.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
SINGLE
Enrollment
24
Low frequency rTMS application on M1 cortex
Low frequency sham rTMS
Ankara Etlik City Hospital
Ankara, Yenimahalle, Turkey (Türkiye)
RECRUITINGModified Ashworth Scale
It is designed to determine the level of spasticity. Accordingly, 0: no increase in muscle tone, 1: minimal resistance at the end of joint range of motion or a slight increase in muscle tone manifested as catching and releasing, 1+: increase in muscle tone characterized by minimal resistance developing over a smaller portion of the last half of joint range of motion, 2: increase in muscle tone that is noticeable but does not allow joint movement over a large portion of joint range of motion, allows joint movement, 3: Increased muscle tone that impedes passive movement, 4: Joint is rigid in flexion or extension. Spasticity in the patients' lower extremity muscles will be assessed.
Time frame: patients will be checked on first day of hospitalization, after treatment at 2 weeks and after treatment 1 month
Penn Spasm Frequency Scale
It is a measure that determines the frequency of spasms. Spasm frequency is rated on a 5-point scale: Spasm Frequency Spasm Severity 0: No spasms, 1: Mild spasms induced by stimulation, 2: Complete spasms occurring less than once per hour, 3: Spasms occurring more than once per hour, 4: Spasms occurring more than ten times per hour.
Time frame: patients will be checked on first day of hospitalization, after treatment at 2 weeks and after treatment 1 month
Modified Tardieu Scale
Muscle tone is assessed at 5 degrees at predetermined speeds. The first angle at which increased resistance is detected in the joint is recorded. It is compared to the angle when the range of motion is complete. 0: No resistance during passive movement, 1: Mild resistance during passive movement but no catching sensation at any specific angle, 2: Passive movement is interrupted at a specific angle with a catching sensation, followed by relaxation, 3: Resistance continues, movement is interrupted at a specific angle with a catching sensation, followed by relaxation, 3: When pressure is maintained, fatigue occurs at a specific angle for less than 10 seconds, causing clonus lasting more than 10 seconds at a specific angle when pressure is maintained, Unassessable: Inconsistent measurements or the absence of relaxation after a catching sensation at different angles is considered. modified Tardieu scores will be recorded for the hamstring and gastrocnemius
Time frame: patients will be checked on first day of hospitalization, after treatment at 2 weeks and after treatment 1 month
BERG Balance Scale
It is a scale consisting of 14 guidelines, with the patient's performance observed for each guideline and scored on a scale of 0-4. A score of 0 is given when the patient is unable to perform the activity at all, while a score of 4 is given when the patient completes the activity independently. The maximum score is 56, with 0-20 points indicating balance impairment, 21-40 points indicating acceptable balance, and 41-56 points indicating good balance.
Time frame: patients will be checked on first day of hospitalization, after treatment at 2 weeks and after treatment 1 month
Goal Attainment Scale
It allows for the assessment and measurement of individualized, predefined goals on a 5-point scale ranging from -2 to +2. In this study, the extent to which spasticity in the muscle group with the highest spasticity at baseline and at the 1-month follow-up changed from the MAS to the GAS was evaluated. * 2: Increase in MAS score compared to the initial examination * 1: MAS score remains the same as in the initial examination 0: Decrease of 1 unit in the MAS score compared to the initial examination * 1: Decrease of 2 units in the MAS score compared to the initial examination * 2: Decrease of 3 units or more in the MAS score compared to the initial examination
Time frame: patients will be checked on first day of hospitalization and after treatment 1 month
Visual Analogue Scale (VAS)
This is a scale used to assess patients' pain levels. It is rated on a scale of 0 to 10 points. A score of 0 indicates no pain, while a score of 10 reflects the most severe pain ever experienced.
Time frame: patients will be checked on first day of hospitalization, after treatment at 2 weeks and after treatment 1 month
Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS)
Multiple Sclerosis (MS) patients It is a measure used to assess the level of physical disability caused by the disease. Based on neurological examination findings, it allows for objective monitoring of the course of the disease and functional status. EDSS Assessment Criteria:. 0.0 - 3.5: Minimal or mild disability. The patient's ability to walk is not affected, but there may be mild problems in some functional systems (e.g., vision, sensation, coordination). . 4.0 - 5.5: Moderate disability. The patient feels a significant limitation in their walking capacity, but can usually walk short distances without assistance.. 6.0 - 7.5: More severe walking difficulties. The patient requires assistive devices (e.g., cane, walker) or can only walk short distances without assistance.. 8.0 - 9.5: Bed or wheelchair dependency. The patient is mostly unable to meet their own needs independently.. 10.0: Death, due to causes directly related to MS.
Time frame: patients will be checked on first day of hospitalization, after treatment at 2 weeks and after treatment 1 month
Functional Independence Measure (FIM)
It is a measure used to determine individuals' independence levels by assessing their physical, psychosocial, and social skills. It is widely used to monitor the independence level of patients, especially during the rehabilitation process. It contains a total of 18 items: 13 items assess motor skills, and 5 items assess social and cognitive skills. Each item is scored from 1 to 7. The total score range varies from 18 (completely dependent) to 126 (completely independent).
Time frame: patients will be checked on first day of hospitalization, after treatment at 2 weeks and after treatment 1 month
Multiple Sclerosis Quality of Life-54 (MSQoL-54)
It consists of 54 questions, and the scale is evaluated based on the answers to questions related to changes in health status, physical functions, general health perception, energy/fatigue, physical role limitations, pain, sexual functions, sexual life satisfaction, social functions, health-related concerns, overall quality of life, emotional well-being, emotional role limitations, and cognitive functions. The results are then used to calculate the physical health status average, cognitive health status average, and MSQOL-54 total score.
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Time frame: patients will be checked on first day of hospitalization, after treatment at 2 weeks and after treatment 1 month
Six Minute Walk Test
It is a practical test used to determine an individual's functional capacity. The test involves walking on a flat surface for 6 minutes according to a standardized protocol. The distance walked within 6 minutes is evaluated using this method.
Time frame: patients will be checked on first day of hospitalization, after treatment at 2 weeks and after treatment 1 month