Evaluation of upper-limb spasticity after stroke: A clinical and neurophysiologic study

Objectives: To assess upper-limb spasticity after stroke by means of clinical and instrumental tools and to identify possible variables influencing the clinical pattern. Design: Descriptive measurement study of a consecutive sample of patients with upper-limb spasticity after stroke. Setting: Neurorehabilitation hospital. Participants: Sixty-five poststroke hemiplegic patients. Interventions: Not applicable. Main Outcome Measures: Upper-limb spasticity, as assessed clinically (Modified Ashworth Scale [MAS], articular goniometry) and neurophysiologically (maximum H-reflex [Hmax], maximum M response [Mmax], Hmax/Mmax ratio). Results: Poorer MAS scores were associated with lower passive range of motion (PROM) values at the wrist (P = .01) and elbow (P = .002). The flexor carpi radialis Hmax/Mmax ratio correlated directly with MAS scores at the wrist (P = .005) and correlated inversely with PROM. The presence of pain in the fingers, wrist, and elbow was significantly associated only with lower PROM values at the wrist. Conclusions: Upper-limb spasticity is involved in the development of articular PROM limitation after a stroke. Pain appears to be related to PROM reduction as well, but the exact causal relationship between these 2 factors is still unclear. The MAS and the Hmax/Mmax ratio correlated when evaluating poststroke spasticity; they characterize 2 different aspects of spasticity, clinical and neurophysiologic, respectively, and they could be used as an integrated approach to study and follow poststroke patients. (C) 2005 by American Congress of Rehabilitation Medicine and the American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation.