Effects of sudden, passive muscle shortening according to Grimaldi's method on patients suffering from multiple sclerosis: a randomized controlled trial

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate the short-term effect of a therapeutical approach called "Grimaldi's method." The authors hypothesized that Grimaldi's method would improve active muscle recruitment. The treatment was focused on hip abductors. The authors collected data of hip's active range of motion against gravity (AROM), maximum isometric endurance (END), and maximum mechanical work (WORK). Participants and methods: Forty patients suffering from multiple sclerosis were randomized into 2 groups, 20 were allocated to the Grimaldi's group and 20 to the control group. Results: After 3 sessions of Grimaldi's treatment parameter, AROM increased from 21.4 degrees to 37.2 degrees in the experimental group; the improvement was statistically significant. Parameter END did not show any improvement, whereas mechanical work had a sharp increase: from 103.9 Nm to 149.6 Nm. Conclusion: The findings suggest that Grimaldi's method could be useful in increasing muscular recruitment of hip abductors, improving active range of motion and mechanical work of the hip in patients suffering from multiple sclerosis.