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NCT Number: NCT07303582

Individualised Cryoneurolysis to Treat Pain in the Context of Spasticity in the Upper and Lower Extremities

Spasticity is an umbrella term for impairments of muscle tone and control in people with damage to the brain and spinal cord. It is highly prevalent and results in pain, stiffness, and contribute to difficulties in activities of daily living. Current treatment options are limited, and many people experience only partial reduction in spasticity and frequent repeated treatments are needed.

Cryoneurolysis is a medical technique which involves the controlled freezing of the nerves. It has been approved in the UK for the treatment of pain in the context of spasticity through the targeting of nerves which control problematic muscles. Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust has been offering this treatment routinely since January 2024. This pilot study aims to improve the understanding of the potential effectiveness of this treatment and its potential side effects when compared with a more commonly used treatment (Botulinum Toxin).

Participants will be randomly allocated to receive usual care with Botulinum Toxin (control group) or usual care with Cryoneurolysis (intervention group). The investigators will assess pain, goal attainment, side effects, spasticity, disability and independence in daily activities, and movement of the arm and leg. Assessments will be at baseline and then 6-, 12-, 18-, and 24-weeks following treatment. Participants who are randomised to the control group will have the opportunity to receive cryoneurolysis treatment after the 12 week follow up assessment.

The results of this study will help to guide future studies to examine the effectiveness of this treatment.

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Key information

Conditions

Centreal Neurological Condition Acquired Brain Injury (Including Stroke) Autoimmune Diseases Autoimmune Diseases of the Nervous System Brain Diseases Brain Injuries Cardiovascular Diseases Central Nervous System Diseases Cerebrovascular Disorders Craniocerebral Trauma Demyelinating Autoimmune Diseases, CNS Demyelinating Diseases Immune System Diseases Multiple Sclerosis Muscle Hypertonia Muscle Spasticity Muscular Diseases Musculoskeletal Diseases Nervous System Diseases Neurologic Manifestations Neuromuscular Manifestations Pain Pathological Conditions, Signs and Symptoms Signs and Symptoms Spinal Cord Diseases Spinal Cord Injuries Spinal Cord Injury Stroke Trauma, Nervous System Vascular Diseases Wounds and Injuries

Age range

18 year and older

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Phase 4

Primary location

Oxford Centre for Enablement (OUH NHS-FT)

Oxford, OX3 7HE, United Kingdom

Location status: Recruiting

Location contact

Anton Pick, MBChB

CONTACT

[email protected]

+44 01865 737 306

Anton Pick, MBChB

PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR

About this study

Spasticity is an umbrella term for impairments of muscle activity and control in the context of damage or dysfunction in the central nervous system, occurring in up to 87% of spinal cord injury patients, 42% of stroke patients, and 80% of patients with multiple sclerosis. Spasticity results in pain, stiffness, and restrictions to activity including difficulties in personal care and mobility and a significant impact on quality of life.

Treatments including oral medications, botulinum toxin injections, and physical therapies can provide some degree of relief, but effectiveness varies widely. Many patients experience only partial reduction in spasticity, contributing to ongoing functional limitations. Botulinum toxin injections provide temporary relief necessitating frequent treatments (every 3-4 months). This is burdensome for patients and healthcare providers, with associated time and treatment costs. Pharmacological treatments can lead to systemic side effects including drowsiness, dizziness, and cognitive impairments. Surgical interventions are resource-intensive and require specialised medical facilities. Their associated costs, in terms of financial resources and healthcare infrastructure, significantly limit access for certain patients.

Cryoneurolysis, a novel medical technique, involves the controlled freezing of nerve tissue to temporarily disrupt its function. While primarily used for pain, there is a growing interest in its application for managing spasticity and it is currently approved for the treatment of pain in the context of spasticity at Oxford University Hospitals NHS Trust. Observational studies suggest immediate relaxation of the affected muscles, resulting in improved joint range of motion, enhanced functional mobility, and reduced pain. The investigators' own open-label proof-of-principle clinical data suggest the potential for substantial improvements in the impact of spasticity on quality of life.

This pilot randomised controlled study aims to improve the understanding of the potential clinical effectiveness and side effect profile of cryoneurolysis as a treatment for pain in the context of spasticity in people with a range of neurological conditions (e.g. acquired brain injury (ABI), spinal cord injury, stroke, multiple sclerosis).

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: No

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

Inclusion criteria

  • Participant is willing and able to give informed consent for participation in the trial OR a positive opinion from a consultee is provided by a family member or carer (relative or friend) willing to provide personal consultee (PC) advice.
  • Male or Female, aged 18 years or above.
  • Diagnosed with a central neurological condition, including acquired brain injury (e.g. from ischaemic stroke, trauma, or haemorrhage), multiple sclerosis, and spinal cord injury.
  • Clinical indication for Botulinum Toxin and Cryoneurolysis treatment, including pain associated with spasticity and with a clinically meaningful response to diagnostic nerve block to specific nerves or nerve branches that can be treated with cryoneurolysis.
  • At least one rehabilitation goal related to management of pain resulting from spasticity.

Exclusion criteria

  • Participant has received Botulinum toxin or cryoneurolysis within the last 90 days.
  • Raynaud's syndrome.
  • Cryoglobulinaemia.
  • Cold urticaria.
  • Bleeding disorders.
  • Localised infection at intended treatment site.
  • Planned oral antispasmodic medication dose changes.
  • Pregnancy, breastfeeding, or planning pregnancy in the trial period.
  • Scheduled elective surgery or other procedures requiring general anaesthesia during the trial.
  • Any other significant disease or disorder which, in the opinion of the Investigator, may either put the participants at risk because of participation in the trial, or may influence the result of the trial, or the participant's ability to participate in the trial.
  • Participants who are currently enrolled in another trial may be excluded if it is deemed (in the investigator's opinion) that participation could influence the results for either study.

Treatment and study plan

Cryoneurolysis

Procedure

Nerves that require treatment, and the number of treatments required for each nerve will be identified by routine clinical judgement. Nerve targets are identified using an ultrasound machine. The handheld Iovera cryoneurolysis device will be used for treatment.

Participants will receive up to 4 treatments of cryoneurolysis for each nerve or nerve branch that requires treatment. It is anticipated that participants will have between 1 and 5 nerves or nerve branches per limb treated. Each Cryoneurolysis treatment takes 110 seconds. Total treatment time will be determined by number of nerves targeted and number of cryoneurolysis treatments per nerve. The shortest duration, with setup, is likely to be 60 minutes and the longest 120 minutes.

Other names: Iovera, Cryoneurotomy, Cryoneurectomy, Cryoanalgesia

Botulinum Toxin

Procedure

Muscles that require treatment with Botulinum Toxin will be identified by routine clinical assessment. Muscle targets will be identified using an ultrasound machine.

It is anticipated that participants will have between 2 and 8 muscles identified for target. The participant will receive up to 200 units of Xeomin (Botulinum Toxin) per muscle that requires treatment. Treatment session of Botulinum Toxin will take 60 to 90 minutes.

Other names: Botox, Xeomin, Chemodenervation, BoNT-A

Primary outcomes

  1. Goal Attainment Scale

    Time frame: 6-weeks post-treatment

    An individualised outcome measure involving goal selection and goal scaling that is standardised in order to calculate the extent to which a patient's goals are met. GAS comprises of goals divided into a 5-point scale of level of expected outcome: from -2 (much less than expected) to +2 (much more than expected).

Secondary outcomes

  1. Self-reported Pain

    Time frame: 6, 12, 18, and 24 weeks post-treatment

    Self-report, as measured by a numerical rating scale (range 0 - 10, higher scores indicating higher pain levels).

  2. Douleur Neuropathique en 4 (DN4)

    Time frame: 6, 12, 18, and 24 weeks post-treatment

    Questionnaire used to determine whether pain is neuropathic in origin (range 0 - 10; a score of 4 or more suggests the presence of neuropathic pain).

  3. Neuropathic Pain Symptom Inventory (NPSI)

    Time frame: 6, 12, 18, and 24 weeks post-treatment

    Questionnaire used to quantify neuropathic pain (range 0 - 100, higher scores reflect worse neuropathic pain).

  4. Side Effects

    Time frame: 6, 12, 18, and 24 weeks post-treatment

    As measured by self-report side effects questionnaire

  5. Goal Attainment Scale

    Time frame: 12-weeks post treatment

    An individualised outcome measure involving goal selection and goal scaling that is standardised in order to calculate the extent to which a patient's goals are met. GAS comprises of goals divided into a 5-point scale of level of expected outcome: from -2 (much less than expected) to +2 (much more than expected).

  6. Modified Ashworth Scale

    Time frame: 6- and 12-weeks post treatment

    Assessment which requires the researcher to passively move the person's affected limb(s) and assess their resistance to movement (score range 0 - 4, higher score indicating increased in tone).

  7. Modified Tardieu Scale

    Time frame: 6- and 12-weeks post treatment

    Assessment which requires the researcher to passively move the person's affected limb(s) and assess their resistance to movement (score range 0 - 4, higher score indicating increased resistance).

  8. Spasticity

    Time frame: 6- and 12-weeks post treatment

    Directly assessed by measuring the muscle activity to a passive stretch

  9. Range of Motion

    Time frame: 6- and 12-weeks post treatment

    Assessed using a goniometer

  10. Patient Reported Impact of Spasticity Measure (PRISM)

    Time frame: 6- and 12-weeks post treatment

    Questionnaire assessing spasticity related quality of life (41 items that describe impacts of spasticity, each of which is rated on a scale of 0-4 from "never true for me" to "very often true for me").

  11. EQ5D

    Time frame: 6- and 12-weeks post treatment

    Questionnaire assessing quality of life across 5 dimensions: mobility, self-care, usual activities, pain/discomfort and anxiety/depression. Each dimension has 5 levels which are scored 1 - 5, with higher scores indicating worse outcome.

  12. Spasticity Related Quality of Life instrument (SQoL-6D)

    Time frame: 6- and 12-weeks post treatment

    Questionnaire assessing spasticity related quality of life (range 0 - 24, higher score indicating worse condition)

  13. Barthel Index

    Time frame: 6- and 12-weeks post treatment

    Scale measuring a person's ability to complete activities of daily living (range 0 - 100, higher scores indicating more independence)

  14. Gait assessment - Walking Speed

    Time frame: 6- and 12-weeks post treatment

    Kinematic assessment of lower extremity function, using EMG and motion capture cameras. Walking speed is measured in meters per second (m/s), with slower speed indicating worse outcome.

  15. Gait assessment - Gait profile score

    Time frame: 6- and 12-weeks post treatment

    Kinematic assessment of lower extremity function using EMG and motion capture cameras. The gait profile score is measured in degrees, with higher scores indicating more abnormality, and no maximum score.

  16. Leg Activity Measure (LEG-A)

    Time frame: 6- and 12-weeks post treatment

    Questionnaire assessing lower extremity function (3 sections: Section A range: 0-36; Section B range 0-60; Section C range 0 - 36. Higher score indicates more difficulty/severity.)

  17. Shriners Hospital Upper Extremity Evaluation (SHUEE)

    Time frame: 6- and 12-weeks post treatment

    Kinematic assessment of upper extremity function using motion capture cameras.

  18. Arm Activity Measure (ARM-A)

    Time frame: 6- and 12-weeks post treatment

    Questionnaire assessing upper extremity function (2 sections: Section A range: 0-32; Section B range 0-52. Higher score indicates more difficulty.)

  19. Functional Assessment Test for Upper Limb (FAST-UL)

    Time frame: 6- and 12-weeks post treatment

    Assessment of upper extremity function (selected movements assessed and scored between 0 - 3, with higher scores indicating ability to complete movement more fully).

  20. Pressure Pain Thresholds (PPT)

    Time frame: 6, 12, 18, and 24 weeks post-treatment

    Sensory testing using a manual algometer to assess pain thresholds.

Other outcomes

  1. Feedback Questionnaire/Interview

    Time frame: 24 weeks post treatment

    Qualitative feedback using either a semi-structured interview or a self-reported questionnaire (using the same questions as interview schedule), as per preference of participant, used to explore the satisfaction, experience, and anticipated barriers/facilitators to clinical implementation for the treatments.

  2. Sleep Condition Indicator

    Time frame: 6, 12, 18, and 24 weeks post-treatment

    Questionnaire assessing self-reported insomnia symptoms (range 0-32, higher numbers indicate less symptoms of insomnia)

  3. Goal Attainment Scale

    Time frame: 18- and 24-weeks post-treatment

    An individualised outcome measure involving goal selection and goal scaling that is standardised in order to calculate the extent to which a patient's goals are met. GAS comprises of goals divided into a 5-point scale of level of expected outcome: from -2 (much less than expected) to +2 (much more than expected).

  4. Modified Ashworth Scale

    Time frame: 18- and 24-weeks post-treatment

    Assessment which requires the researcher to passively move the person's affected limb(s) and assess their resistance to movement (score range 0 - 4, higher score indicating increased in tone).

  5. Modified Tardieu Scale

    Time frame: 18- and 24-weeks post-treatment

    Assessment which requires the researcher to passively move the person's affected limb(s) and assess their resistance to movement (score range 0 - 4, higher score indicating increased resistance).

  6. Spasticity

    Time frame: 18- and 24-weeks post-treatment

    Directly assessed by measuring the muscle activity to a passive stretch

  7. Range of motion

    Time frame: 18- and 24-weeks post-treatment

    Assessed using a goniometer

  8. Patient Reported Impact of Spasticity Measure (PRISM)

    Time frame: 18- and 24-weeks post-treatment

    Questionnaire assessing spasticity related quality of life (41 items that describe impacts of spasticity, each of which is rated on a scale of 0-4 from "never true for me" to "very often true for me")

  9. EQ5D

    Time frame: 18- and 24-weeks post-treatment

    Questionnaire assessing quality of life across 5 dimensions: mobility, self-care, usual activities, pain/discomfort and anxiety/depression. Each dimension has 5 levels which are scored 1 - 5, with higher scores indicating worse outcome.

  10. Spasticity Related Quality of Life instrument (SQoL-6D)

    Time frame: 18- and 24-weeks post-treatment

    Questionnaire assessing spasticity related quality of life (range 0 - 24, higher score indicating worse condition)

  11. Barthel Index

    Time frame: 18- and 24-weeks post-treatment

    Scale measuring a person's ability to complete activities of daily living (range 0 - 100, higher scores indicating more independence)

  12. Leg Activity Measure (LEG-A)

    Time frame: 18- and 24-weeks post-treatment

    Questionnaire assessing lower extremity function (3 sections: Section A range: 0-36; Section B range 0-60; Section C range 0 - 36. Higher score indicates more difficulty/severity.)

  13. Arm Activity Measure (ARM-A)

    Time frame: 18- and 24-weeks post-treatment

    Questionnaire assessing upper extremity function (2 sections: Section A range: 0-32; Section B range 0-52. Higher score indicates more difficulty.)

Study contacts

Contact information is provided by the study sponsor or research team.

Anton Pick, MBChB

CONTACT

[email protected]

(+44) 01865 737306

Barbara Robinson, MSc

CONTACT

[email protected]

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Oxford University Hospitals NHS Trust

Other

Collaborators

  • Bournemouth University
  • University of Oxford

Registry information

Official study title

Individualised Cryoneurolysis to Treat Pain in the Context of Spasticity in the Upper and Lower Extremities (ICE): a Pilot Randomised Controlled Trial

Acronym: ICE

Important dates

Study start
2025
Primary completion
2026
Study completion
2026
First posted
Dec 26, 2025
Registry last updated
Dec 26, 2025

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

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