Article

Although the spasticity syndrome is an important sensorimotor
disorder, the impact of grade of lower limb muscle hypertonia, spasm and clonus
activity on voluntary muscle function, gait and daily activities has not been
systematically analysed during subacute and chronic spinal cord injury (SCI).
OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence of spasticity signs and symptoms during
SCI, and to assess their impact on motor function and activities. METHODS: A
descriptive transverse study of sixty-six subjects with SCI was performed by
assessing injury characteristics, spasticity (modified Ashworth scale, Penn
scale, SCATS scale) and motor function (lower limb manual muscle scores, WISCI
II, spinal cord injury spasticity evaluation tool). RESULTS: Most subjects with
the spasticity syndrome presented lower limb hypertonia and spasms during both
subacute and chronic SCI, interfering with daily life activities. Subjects with
incomplete SCI and hypertonia revealed a loss of voluntary flexor muscle
activity, while extensors spasms contributed strongly to loss of gait function.
The Penn spasms scale no correlated with muscle function or gait. CONCLUSIONS:
Specific diagnosis of spasm activity during subacute SCI, and its impact on lower
limb voluntary muscle activity, gait function and daily activities, is required
to develop a more effective neurorehabilitation treatment strategy.

Langue : ANGLAIS