Spasticity: Research Findings and Implications for Intervention

• Published in: Physiotherapy Vol. 81; no. 8; pp. 421 - 429
• Main Authors: Carr, Janet H, Shepherd, Roberta B, Ada, Louise
• Format: Journal Article Conference Proceeding
• Language: English
• Published: London Elsevier Ltd 1995; Chartered Society of Physiotherapy
• Subjects: Biological and medical sciences; Diseases of striated muscles. Neuromuscular diseases; hypertonus; Medical sciences; Neurology; physiotherapy; soft tissue adaptation; Spasticity; task-specific training; upper motor neurone syndrome; weaknessw; soft tissue adaptation; hypertonus; upper motor neurone syndrome; physiotherapy; Spasticity; task-specific training; weaknessw; Human; Striated muscle disease; Nervous system diseases; Treatment; Etiology; Physiotherapy; Muscle tonus alteration; Diagnosis; Neurological disorder
• ISSN: 0031-9406; 1873-1465
• DOI: 10.1016/S0031-9406(05)66716-8

Spasticity has been defined as a motor disorder characterised by a velocity-dependent increase in tonic stretch reflexes with exaggerated tendon jerks reuslting in hyperexcitability of the stretch reflex as on ecomponent of the upper motor neurone syndrome. Wealness and loss of dexterity, however, are considered to be more disabling to teh patient than changes in muscle tone. This paper considers both the neural and mechanical components of spasticity and discusses, in terms of clinicla intervention. the implications arising from recent research. Investigations suggest that the resistance to passive movement in individuals iwth spasticity is due not only to neural mechanisms but also to changes in mechnical properties of muscle. Until more is understood of the mechanisms underlying spasticity, it is our wiew that in the clinic spasticity may reasonably be regarded as a manifestation of bothdisordered motor control adn length- associated changes in muslce. We argue, therefore, that the development of spasticity willbe less severe if soft tissue length can be maintained and if motor training emphasises elimination of unnecessary muscle force and training muscle synergies as part of specific actions.