Background: Spasticity commonly affects patients with motor neuron disease. It is likely to contribute to worsening muscle dysfunction, increased difficulty with activities of daily living and deteriorating quality of life.

Objectives: The objective of this review is to systematically review treatments for spasticity in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, also known as motor neuron disease.

Search strategy: We searched the Cochrane Neuromuscular Disease Group trials register (January 2003 and January 2005), MEDLINE (January 1966 to February 2005), EMBASE (January 1980 to February 2005), CINAHL (January 1982 to February 2005), AMED (January 1985 to February 2005) and LILACS (January 1982 to January 2003). We reviewed the bibliographies of the randomized controlled trials identified, and contacted authors and experts in the field.

Selection criteria: We included quasi-randomized or randomized controlled trials of participants with probable or definite amyotrophic lateral sclerosis according to the El Escorial diagnostic criteria (or a revised version) or the Airlie House revision. We would have included trials of physical therapy, modalities, prescription medications, non-prescription medications, chemical neurolysis, surgical interventions, and alternative therapies. Our primary outcome measure was reduction in spasticity at three months or greater as measured by the Ashworth (or modified Ashworth) spasticity scale. Our secondary outcome measures were: validated measures based on history, physical examination, physiological measures, measures of function, measures of quality of life, serious adverse events, and measures of cost.

Data collection and analysis: We identified only one randomized controlled trial that met our inclusion criteria. Two authors extracted the data. We also contacted the author of the paper and obtained information not available in the published article.

Main results: The included study was a trial of moderate intensity, endurance type exercise versus 'usual activities' in 25 patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. At three months patients performing the 15 minute twice daily exercises had significantly less spasticity overall (mean reduction of -0.43, 95% CI -1.03 to +0.17 in the treatment group versus an increase of +0.25, 95% CI -0.46 to +0.96 in control) but the mean change between groups was not significant (-0.68, 95% CI -1.62 to +0.26), as measured by the Ashworth scale.

Authors' conclusions: The single trial performed was too small to determine whether individualised moderate intensity endurance type exercises for the trunk and limbs are beneficial or harmful. No other medical, surgical or alternative treatment and therapy has been evaluated in a randomized fashion in this patient population. More research is needed.