Stroke Spasticity
Stroke Spasticity - Related Videos
11:34
Breathing-controlled Electrical Stimulation (BreEStim) for Management of Neuropathic Pain and Spasticity
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Cited by 9 •
2013
The purpose is to present a new method, breathing-control electrical stimulation (BreEStim) for management of neuropathic pain and spasticity.
08:40
Isokinetic Robotic Device to Improve Test-Retest and Inter-Rater Reliability for Stretch Reflex Measurements in Stroke Patients with Spasticity
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Cited by 4 •
2019
Using a robotic isokinetic device with electromyography (EMG) measurements, this protocol illustrates that isokinetic motion itself can improve inter-rater reliability for the angle of catch measurements in stroke patients with mild elbow flexor spasticity.
05:52
Mobile Game-based Virtual Reality Program for Upper Extremity Stroke Rehabilitation
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Cited by 101 •
2018
Here, we present a protocol to develop and apply a mobile game-based virtual reality program for the recovery of upper limb dysfunction in patients with stroke. The present study shows that the mobile program is feasible and effectively promotes upper limb recovery in stroke patients.
08:14
Modeling Stroke in Mice: Permanent Coagulation of the Distal Middle Cerebral Artery
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Cited by 104 •
2014
Various murine models of middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) are widely used in experimental brain research. Here, we demonstrate the model of transcranial permanent distal MCAO which produces consistent cortical infarction of a size corresponding to damage imposed by the majority of human ischemic strokes.
06:38
The Stroke Preclinical Assessment Network Multi-Laboratory Model of Thromboembolic Stroke with Thrombolysis: TE-MCAo
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2025
To simulate thromboembolic stroke, emboli prepared from heterologous rat blood were injected into the middle cerebral artery, followed by administration of systemic thrombolysis for recanalization. This version of the model is optimized for use in a multi-laboratory network and supports testing multiple candidate therapeutics.
FAQs
The key mechanism is reduced inhibition of spinal reflexes after damage to descending motor pathways. Normally, these pathways help regulate reflex activity; when that control is weakened, movement-related input can produce an abnormally strong muscle response. This mechanism explains why passive examination may reveal excessive resistance and why controlled limb movement can become difficult after stroke.
Movement speed can increase the prominence of the abnormal response because the affected reflex system reacts more strongly during rapid limb movement. Clinicians therefore compare resistance during passive movements performed at different speeds. This observation helps characterize the movement disorder and distinguish the most challenging conditions for mobility, positioning, and rehabilitation activities.
Muscle tone alone does not show how the disorder affects a person’s daily performance. Clinicians also examine posture, joint movement, and functional limitations to understand whether abnormal resistance interferes with mobility, comfort, or independence. Combining these findings supports a more clinically relevant assessment than relying on resistance during examination alone.
Assessment includes examining muscle tone, the resistance encountered during passive joint movement, limb posture, and resulting functional limitations. The clinician observes how the limb responds while being moved and considers whether abnormal tone restricts movement or disrupts activity. These findings establish the problems that rehabilitation or selected treatments should address.
Rehabilitation may include stretching, positioning, and task-based therapy. Stretching addresses restricted movement, positioning helps manage limb alignment and posture, and task-based therapy connects treatment with practical movement activities. Clinicians use assessment findings to select and combine these approaches, with the broader aim of improving mobility, comfort, independence, and quality of life.
Selected treatments such as botulinum toxin or oral medications may be used when clinical findings show that abnormal tone is contributing to movement restriction or other functional problems. These options complement rehabilitation rather than replacing assessment and therapy. Treatment decisions are directed toward practical outcomes, including better mobility, greater comfort, independence, and quality of life.