Measurement of spasticity and associated reactions in stroke patients before and after physiotherapeutic intervention

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to present two methods of measuring the related phenomena of spasticity and associated reactions (ARs) in the plegic upper limb of stroke patients before and after treatment according to the Bobath approach. Thirty-three hemiplegic patients participated in the study. Spasticity of the elbow flexors and extensors was measured in 13 patients using the passive mode of the KinCom isokinetic dynamometer. The AR in the elbow was measured using a goniometer in all patients while at rest and following an exertion. The isokinetic measurements revealed a highly significant relationship (p <0.001) between spastic resistance and the test angular velocity for both flexors and extensors, but did not demonstrate an improvement following treatment. The ARs scores improved significantly following treatment. The merits and limitations of using isokinetic dynamometry and ARs for measuring spasticity are discussed.