FES cycling reduces spastic muscle tone in a patient with multiple sclerosis

We report on a multiple sclerosis patient who received functional electrical stimulation to reduce spastic muscle tone of the lower limbs. Stimulation by means of surface electrodes applied to the thigh muscles induced cycling leg movements. Spastic muscle tone was measured clinically using the modified Ashworth scale and semiautomatically by pendulum testing of spasticity. This was done before and directly after stimulation. The patient was able to endure the stimulation for ca. 30 minutes; there was a significant reduction of spasticity after each stimulation session. We conclude, that this type of stimulation could be another potential treatment modality for multiple sclerosis patients, especially those with a high score in the expanded disability Status scale.