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Home › Conditions › Spasticity

Spasticity

6 published articles · Updated continuously

Clinical Trial Landscape

Clinical Trials for Spasticity

18 trials tracked for Spasticity: 12 in phase 3 or 4 and 2 with published results. The most-cited published study has 24 citations.

18Trials tracked
12Phase 3 & 4
0Recruiting
2With published results
Phase distribution
Phase 4 3 Phase 3 9 Phase 2 3 Other / NA 3
  1. Phase 3 MEDITOXIN® Versus BOTOX® in the Treatment of Post-stroke Spasticity of the Upper Limb Spasticity Completed · 24 cited
  2. Phase 3 Dose-response Study of Efficacy and Safety of Botulinum Toxin Type A to Treat Spasticity of the Arm(s) or of Arm(s) and Leg(s) in Cerebral Palsy Completed · 19 cited
  3. Phase 4 Imaging of 3D Innervation Zone Distribution in Spastic Muscles From High-density Surface EMG Recordings Completed
  4. Phase 4 Comparative Efficacy of Three Preparations of Botox-A in Treating Spasticity Completed
  5. Phase 4 A Randomized Study of Sativex on Cognitive Function and Mood: Multiple Sclerosis Patients Completed
  6. Phase 3 Safety Study of SPARC1104 Completed
Show 12 more trials
  1. Phase 3 Efficacy and Safety of SPARC0921 in Subjects With Spasticity Completed
  2. Phase 3 A Study of the Safety and Effectiveness of Sativex®, for the Relief of Symptoms of Spasticity in Subjects, From Phase B, With Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Completed
  3. Phase 3 A Study of Sativex® for Relief of Spasticity in Subjects With Multiple Sclerosis. Completed
  4. Phase 3 A Long-term Safety Extension Study of Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and Cannabidiol (CBD) in Multiple Sclerosis Completed
  5. Phase 3 Evaluate the Maintenance of Effect After Long-term Treatment With Sativex® in Subjects With Symptoms of Spasticity Due to Multiple Sclerosis Completed
  6. Phase 3 A Study of the Long-term Safety of Sativex Use Completed
  7. Phase 2 A Study to Define the ECG Effects of Tizanidine Compared to Placebo and the Positive Control, Moxifloxacin, in Healthy Men and Women Using a Blinded ECG Evaluator: A Thorough ECG Trial Completed
  8. Phase 2 Study of SPARC1103 in Subjects With Spasticity Completed
  9. Phase 2 Developing and Testing a Comprehensive MS Spasticity Management Program Completed
  10. N/A Spinal Cord Stimulation to Augment Activity Based Therapy Completed
  11. N/A Compare Two Guidance Techniques for Botulinum Toxin Injections for the Treatment of Limb Spasticity and Focal Dystonia Completed
  12. N/A Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS) Treatment of Post-Stroke Spasticity Completed

Showing the 18 most-cited and recently-updated of 18 trials. Browse the full registry →

Trial data sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. Counts describe the research landscape and are not a treatment recommendation. Informational only — not medical advice.

What the trials found For clinicians

Spasticity: what the trials found

Several interventions have demonstrated efficacy in managing spasticity. Sativex showed statistically significant improvements in subjective and objective measures, including a reduction in the Spasticity Numerical Rating Scale (NRS) [8, 11], a decrease in spasm frequency 11, and improved Subject Global Impression of Change scores 3. One study also reported a significant reduction in treatment failure rates for Sativex compared to placebo 12.

Botulinum-based therapies showed varying results across different metrics. IncobotulinumtoxinA demonstrated a statistically significant reduction in Ashworth Scale (AS) scores at week 4 5, though the Investigator's Global Impression of Change Scale did not reach statistical significance 5. In contrast, other botulinum toxin trials failed to show statistically significant improvements in Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS) scores for wrist, elbow, or finger flexors 4.

Other pharmacological interventions included GW-1000-02, which showed a reduction in Spasticity NRS scores over 52 weeks 9, and SPARC0921, which demonstrated a statistically significant improvement in the Subject Global Impression Severity Scale for spasticity 6.

Recent results — preliminary, needs further review

  • SPARC1103 low dose (not yet corroborated) showed no statistically significant difference from placebo in Modified Ashworth Score or spasm frequency 13. "Spasticity: Take Control" (not yet corroborated) did not show statistically significant improvements in MSWS-12, Timed 25 Foot Walk, or Timed up and go Test scores 14. Experimental interventions including repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation 16, Transcutaneous spinal stimulation 17, and Electrical stimulation 18 are currently not corroborated.

For the clinician treating this condition

  • Sativex is associated with significant reductions in spasticity NRS scores, spasm frequency, and improved global impression of change [3, 8, 11].
  • IncobotulinumtoxinA showed statistically significant improvements in Ashworth Scale scores at week 4 5, while other botulinum toxin trials did not reach statistical significance for MAS scores 4.
  • GW-1000-02 demonstrated a reduction in spasticity NRS scores over a 52-week period 9.

AI synthesis of 12 cited trials, updated Jun 20, 2026. Informational only — not medical advice; trial data sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. How we use AI.

HCP Mode — summaries include clinical detail, trial data, and statistical outcomes.
Patient Mode — summaries use plain language, avoiding clinical jargon.
Meta-analysis shows repetitive peripheral magnetic stimulation effects on stroke motor recovery
Neurology Meta-analysis
Meta-analysis shows repetitive peripheral magnetic stimulation effects on stroke motor recovery New rules for magnetic therapy boost arm recovery after stroke
This meta-analysis of 14 trials involving 580 stroke patients evaluates the effects of repetitive peripheral magnetic stimulation (rPMS) on …
New magnetic therapy rules help stroke patients regain arm strength faster when used for the right length of time
Frontiers Apr 30, 2026
Narrative review evaluates muscle energy techniques for post-stroke spasticity management
Neurology Sys. Review
Narrative review evaluates muscle energy techniques for post-stroke spasticity management Gentle Hands-On Therapy Eases Arm Stiffness After Stroke
This review examines muscle energy techniques for post-stroke spasticity in persons with stroke, though evidence strength is limited.
A gentle hands-on therapy called muscle energy techniques may reduce arm stiffness and improve movement after stroke, but it requires active…
Frontiers Apr 28, 2026
Systematic review finds preliminary evidence for brain stimulation in post-stroke pain
Neurology Sys. Review
Systematic review finds preliminary evidence for brain stimulation in post-stroke pain Stroke Survivors Feel Pain Long After. Brain Zaps May Help
A systematic review examined invasive and non-invasive brain stimulation techniques for individuals with post-stroke pain, including spastic…
Gentle brain zaps may soften the burning pain and tight muscles that linger long after a stroke ends, offering hope for survivors.
Frontiers Apr 16, 2026
Botulinum toxin injections and neuromodulation show therapeutic potential for post-stroke limb spasticity
Neurology RCT
Botulinum toxin injections and neuromodulation show therapeutic potential for post-stroke limb spasticity Review finds botulinum toxin injections help reduce post-stroke limb spasticity
This narrative review analyzed 68 studies involving patients with post-stroke limb spasticity.
Botulinum toxin injections are the primary choice for managing focal spasticity in stroke survivors, while neuromodulation shows significant…
Frontiers Apr 14, 2026
High-tone power therapy plus physical therapy improves spasticity and gait speed in chronic stroke patients
Neurology RCT
High-tone power therapy plus physical therapy improves spasticity and gait speed in chronic stroke patients A New Therapy Combo Helps Stroke Survivors Walk Easier and Faster
A 3-month RCT in 34 non-obese, middle-aged male chronic stroke patients found that adding 30 minutes of high-tone power therapy (HTT) to a p…
A simple add-on to standard physical therapy could help long-term stroke survivors regain crucial mobility and independence.
Apr 12, 2026
Plastic changes in brainstem reticular formation may be involved in spasticity onset across stroke and spinal cord injury
Neurology Sys. Review
Plastic changes in brainstem reticular formation may be involved in spasticity onset across stroke and spinal cord injury Could brainstem plastic changes trigger spasticity in stroke and spinal cord injury patients?
This systematic review examined pathophysiological similarities in spasticity among humans, primates, and rodents.
Spasticity after stroke or spinal cord injury may stem from plastic changes in the brainstem, though evidence remains limited and controvers…
Frontiers Apr 9, 2026

Questions about Spasticity

Do stroke and spinal cord injury share similar causes for spasticity?

Stroke and spinal cord injury share similar underlying causes for spasticity, primarily involving maladaptive changes in the central nervous system and plastic changes in the brainstem reticular formation.

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Are there plastic brain changes involved in the onset of spasticity?

Yes, plastic brain changes in the brainstem reticular formation are believed to contribute to the onset of spasticity after central nervous system injuries like stroke or spinal cord injury.

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How do neuromodulation and botulinum toxin injections help post-stroke spasticity?

Botulinum toxin injections relax tight muscles to improve movement, while neuromodulation techniques like magnetic stimulation adjust brain signals to reduce spasticity and promote recovery.

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What is the therapeutic potential of botulinum toxin for limb spasticity?

Botulinum toxin injections are a primary treatment for focal limb spasticity after stroke, reducing muscle tightness and preventing joint contractures while improving function.

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Does brain stimulation offer relief for post-stroke pain and spasticity?

Brain stimulation techniques like repetitive peripheral magnetic stimulation and transcranial magnetic stimulation show promise for reducing spasticity and easing post-stroke pain, though more large-scale trials are needed to confirm long-term benefits.

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Can repetitive peripheral magnetic stimulation help with stroke motor recovery?

Yes, repetitive peripheral magnetic stimulation (rPMS) can improve upper limb motor function, daily living, and spasticity after stroke, especially when combined with other therapies.

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See all 6 questions about Spasticity →