Poster 320: Passive and Active Functional Tasks Are the Main Reasons for Treatment of Upper-Limb Spasticity in Poststroke Patients Among Neurologists, Physiatrists, and Primary Care Physicians

Abstract

Objective: To determine the major reasons for the treatment of upper-limb spasticity in poststroke patients among the leading 3 specialties that evaluate and manage these patients. Design: Physician survey conducted by Beta Research Corp. Setting: Internet-based. Participants: 523 physicians were contacted. A total of 50 neurologists, 50 physiatrists, and 300 primary care physicians (PCPs) fulfilled eligibility criteria and completed the survey. Interventions: Not applicable. Main Outcome Measures: Physician demographics and patient population characteristics pertaining to poststroke spasticity were collected. Results: The average number of adult stroke patients evaluated per month was 23.8 for neurologists, 17.9 for physiatrists, and 38.6 for PCPs. Approximately half of these patients had spasticity in the upper and/or lower limb (10.3, 10.0, 12.5, respectively). A majority of the upper-limb spasticity patients presented with a clenched fist. The main treatment goals in this population were: relief of pain and discomfort and improved access to the palm for hygiene purposes (passive function goals), or to improve the ability to grasp and hold objects (active function goals). Conclusions: The major reasons cited for treatment were improvement in passive function (pain and discomfort, hand hygiene) and active function (grasping, holding).