Not yet recruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

Effectiveness of an Interprofessional Approach to the Treatment of Spasticity With Botulinum Toxin & Non-pharmacological Therapies

Living with stiff, tight muscles (spasticity) can be tough, making everyday tasks harder. This study explores how healthcare teams in the UK and Switzerland work together to treat spasticity. They're investigating whether using Botox injections alongside other treatments, like physical therapy, helps people improve. Each person's treatment is unique, just like their spasticity. The study aims to understand how these expert teams create personalised plans and whether their combined approach successfully helps patients achieve their personal goals and feel better in their daily activities. There are no comparison groups; instead, each patient helps evaluate their own treatment's effectiveness by being measured before, during, and after their care.

At a glance

Status

Not yet recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

Technical University of Bern

Enrolment target

Start

01 Oct 2025

Estimated completion

01 Apr 2027

Spasticity

What is this study about?

Many conditions can cause muscles to become stiff, tight, and difficult to control. This is called spasticity. It can make simple everyday actions, like getting dressed or walking, much harder and might even lead to joints getting stuck in one position. Because spasticity affects everyone differently, treatment plans are always tailored specifically to each person.

Traditionally, a team of different healthcare professionals (like doctors, physiotherapists, and occupational therapists) works together to provide the best care. This often includes special injections like Botox (botulinum toxin) to relax the muscles, combined with other treatments such as exercises or different therapies. However, it's been tricky to clearly show how effective these combined team approaches really are, mostly because everyone's spasticity and their response to treatment are so unique.

This study looks at two specialised teams in the UK and Switzerland to see how they put together treatment plans for people with spasticity. The main goal is to find out if this team-based approach, using both Botox and other therapies, helps people achieve their personal goals. It also wants to see if these treatments improve things like muscle stiffness and how well people can do their daily activities. By understanding how these expert teams work, we can learn how to provide even better care for others with spasticity.

Key takeaways

The study explores how well a team approach works for spasticity treatment.
It combines Botox injections with other therapies like physical exercises.
The goal is to see if this helps people achieve their personal goals and daily improvements.
Each participant's treatment plan is unique and carefully monitored.
The study aims to improve care for people with muscle stiffness in the future.

Who may be eligible?

You might be able to join this study if you are 18 years old or older and have muscle stiffness (spasticity) that affects one or more areas of your body. Your healthcare team must also think that treatment with Botox injections and other therapies is the right plan for you, and you should have already agreed to the general consent for care at your centre.

However, you won't be able to take part if you are under 18, or if your spasticity won't be treated with Botox injections as part of your regular care plan. Also, if you've already had a Botox injection in the last three months before the study starts, or if you're expected to need another injection before the study's follow-up ends, you won't be able to join.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you 18 years old or older?
Do you have stiff muscles (spasticity)?
Has your healthcare team suggested Botox and other therapies for your spasticity?
Have you not had a Botox injection for spasticity in the last 3 months?
Are you not scheduled for another Botox injection during the study follow-up period?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you join the study, you'll receive your usual spasticity treatment as recommended by your healthcare team. This will include Botox injections and other therapies tailored to your needs. Before you start treatment, and then repeatedly during and after your treatment, you will have several assessments. These will help describe your personal goals and how severe your spasticity is. They might involve questionnaires about your daily life, assessments of your arm and leg function, checks of your muscle strength (using something called the Modified Ashworth Scale and Modified Tardieu Scale), and measuring any pain you feel. These regular measurements mean you act as your own control, helping to show how effective the treatment is for you personally. The exact total duration of your participation will depend on your individual treatment plan and follow-up schedule.

Potential risks and benefits

Participating in this study means you'll be receiving the standard care and treatments that your healthcare team believes are best for your spasticity. A potential benefit is that the study closely monitors your progress, which could help your team fine-tune your treatment even more. The information gathered might also help improve care for other people with spasticity in the future. As you are receiving standard treatments, the risks are generally those associated with Botox injections and other therapies you would undergo anyway, such as temporary bruising or mild discomfort from injections. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time without affecting your future medical care.

Locations (2)

Some site locations are approximate. We're improving this — please verify with the trial team before travelling.

REHAB Basel
Verified postcode
Basel, Switzerland
Royal Hospital for Neuro-disability
Verified postcode
London, United Kingdom

Common questions

What is spasticity?

Spasticity is when your muscles become very stiff, tight, and difficult to move, often because of a problem with your brain or spinal cord.

What is Botox (botulinum toxin) used for in this study?

Botox is an injection used to relax specific muscles that are too tight, helping to reduce spasticity and make movement easier.

What are 'non-pharmacological therapies'?

These are treatments that don't involve medicines, like physical exercises, stretching, occupational therapy, or other rehabilitation techniques.

Who are the 'MDT'?

The MDT (multidisciplinary team) is a group of different healthcare experts, like doctors, nurses, and therapists, who work together to plan your care.

Will I have to pay to be in this study?

No, you will not have to pay to participate. The treatments and assessments are part of your standard care in the rehabilitation centres.

How to find out more

Martina Grinzinger

m.grinzinger@rehab.ch +41613250709 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.