Noninvasive brain stimulation for spasticity rehabilitation in multiple sclerosis: A systematic review of randomized controlled trials

ObjectiveTo investigate the effects of noninvasive brain stimulation (NIBS) on spasticity in people with multiple sclerosis (PwMS).Literature SurveyWe searched PubMed, SCOPUS, MEDLINE, REHABDATA, PEDro, CINAHL, AMED, and Web of Science until December 2022.MethodologyStudies were selected if they included PwMS, used transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) or repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) as a main intervention, and were randomized controlled trials (RCTs) including at least one outcome measure evaluating spasticity. Two researchers individually screened the selected studies. The study's quality was assessed using the Cochrane Collaborations tool. The researchers decided that the meta-analysis was not possible because the treatment interventions varied among the selected studies.SynthesisIn total, 147 studies were reviewed. Of them, nine studies met the eligibility criteria and included 193 PwMS (mean age = 43.2 years), 54.4% of whom were female. Eight studies were considered "high" quality and one was considered "moderate" quality. Seven studies that used rTMS demonstrated a significant decrease in spasticity in PwMS after the intervention. The remaining studies that provided tDCS did not show meaningful effects.ConclusionsThe evidence for the influences of rTMS on spasticity in PwMS is promising. The evidence for the impact of tDCS on spasticity in PwMS was limited. Further RCTs with long-term follow-ups are encouraged.