Spasticity is one of the most common symptoms in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients. Large-scale surveys indicate that over 80% of MS patients experience spasticity during their disease course, with 35-54% reporting moderate to severe spasticity. Spasticity, particularly in the lower extremities, is associated with stiffness, spasms, and pain and negatively affects walking, stair climbing, and sleep. While electrical stimulation is a potential treatment for spasticity, optimal stimulation parameters remain unclear. The most commonly used protocol involves high-frequency stimulation (\~100 Hz), though some studies suggest low-frequency stimulation may also be effective.
The EXOPULSE Mollii suit (EXONEURAL NETWORK AB, Danderyd, Sweden) is a non-invasive, self-administered electrical stimulation system with integrated electrodes. It is designed to reduce spasticity and improve motor function in neurological disorders. The method is based on reciprocal inhibition, where low-frequency, low-intensity stimulation of antagonist muscles activates Ia inhibitory interneurons, reducing spasticity in agonist muscles. Additional mechanisms may include neuroplastic changes in spinal or brain circuits, similar to transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS). This study aims to compare the effects of EXOPULSE Mollii + exercise vs. EXOPULSE Mollii alone on spasticity and functionality in MS patients.
