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Levin MF, Piscitelli D, Khayat J. Tonic stretch reflex threshold as a measure of disordered motor control and spasticity - A critical review. Clin Neurophysiol 2024; 165:138-150. [PMID: 39029274 DOI: 10.1016/j.clinph.2024.06.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2024] [Revised: 05/07/2024] [Accepted: 06/15/2024] [Indexed: 07/21/2024]
Abstract
The Tonic Stretch Reflex Threshold (TSRT) is the joint angle or muscle length (λ) at which muscle activation begins. In spasticity, the TSRT abnormally lies inside the biomechanical joint range. It is determined by measuring the Dynamic Stretch Reflex Thresholds (DSRTs) by stretching the resting muscle at different velocities. The metric μ, characterizes the velocity-sensitivity of the DSRTs and is expressed as the time required to lengthen the passive muscles from DSRT to TSRT at the respective stretch velocity. The original formulation of the TSRT, DSRT and μ is summarized. Then, a thorough search of literature prior to December 2023 was conducted that returned 25 papers that have used the technique. Eleven of these papers come from the research group of the authors, including 1 reporting on treatment effects. Of the remaining 14 papers, 11 report variations of the methodology with different populations and 3 report on the effects of an intervention. The review discusses how specific modifications to data collection and analysis procedures have either improved the methodology or, in some cases, led to uninterpretable results. The influence of modifications to the data collection and analysis procedures is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mindy F Levin
- School of Physical and Occupational Therapy, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec H3G 1Y5, Canada; Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Rehabilitation (CRIR), Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
| | - Daniele Piscitelli
- Doctor of Physical Therapy Program, Department of Kinesiology, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, USA.
| | - Joy Khayat
- School of Physical and Occupational Therapy, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec H3G 1Y5, Canada; Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Rehabilitation (CRIR), Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
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2
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Benamati A, Ricotta JM, De SD, Latash ML. Three Levels of Neural Control Contributing to Performance-stabilizing Synergies in Multi-finger Tasks. Neuroscience 2024; 551:262-275. [PMID: 38838976 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2024.05.044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2023] [Revised: 05/28/2024] [Accepted: 05/30/2024] [Indexed: 06/07/2024]
Abstract
We tested a hypothesis on force-stabilizing synergies during four-finger accurate force production at three levels: (1) The level of the reciprocal and coactivation commands, estimated as the referent coordinate and apparent stiffness of all four fingers combined; (2) The level of individual finger forces; and (3) The level of firing of individual motor units (MU). Young, healthy participants performed accurate four-finger force production at a comfortable, non-fatiguing level under visual feedback on the total force magnitude. Mechanical reflections of the reciprocal and coactivation commands were estimated using small, smooth finger perturbations applied by the "inverse piano" device. Firing frequencies of motor units in the flexor digitorum superficialis (FDS) and extensor digitorum communis (EDC) were estimated using surface recording. Principal component analysis was used to identify robust MU groups (MU-modes) with parallel changes in the firing frequency. The framework of the uncontrolled manifold hypothesis was used to compute synergy indices in the spaces of referent coordinate and apparent stiffness, finger forces, and MU-mode magnitudes. Force-stabilizing synergies were seen at all three levels. They were present in the MU-mode spaces defined for MUs in FDS, in EDC, and pooled over both muscles. No effects of hand dominance were seen. The synergy indices defined at different levels of analysis showed no correlations across the participants. The findings are interpreted within the theory of control with spatial referent coordinates for the effectors. We conclude that force stabilization gets contributions from three levels of neural control, likely associated with cortical, subcortical, and spinal circuitry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Benamati
- Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, University of Verona, Verona, Italy; Department of Kinesiology, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA
| | - Joseph M Ricotta
- Department of Kinesiology, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA
| | - Sayan D De
- Department of Kinesiology, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA
| | - Mark L Latash
- Department of Kinesiology, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA.
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3
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Longo D, Ammannati L, Melchiorre D, Serafini I, Bagni MA, Ferrarello F. The Muscle Shortening Maneuver: a noninvasive approach to the treatment of peroneal nerve injury. A case report. Physiother Theory Pract 2024; 40:176-183. [PMID: 35912501 DOI: 10.1080/09593985.2022.2106915] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2021] [Accepted: 07/15/2022] [Indexed: 10/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The treatment of peripheral nerve injuries is a debated topic. The Muscle Shortening Maneuver (MSM), a physiotherapy approach, is noninvasive and free of side effects; it consists of a muscle shortening and a solicitation in traction applied simultaneously. OBJECTIVE The focus of this report is to describe the effects of the MSM combined with walking retraining in a patient with incomplete injury of the peroneal nerve. DESCRIPTION The patient was a 17-year-old man, who underwent osteotomy surgery of the proximal two-thirds of the fibula, due to an Ewing sarcoma that caused a partial injury of the left peroneal nerve. Our assessment plan of the left ankle movement ability comprised range of movement, muscle strength, and surface electromyography (EMG); and a gait analysis was conducted by using an iPhone application. MSM and walking retraining were administered twice and once a week, respectively, for 4 weeks. OUTCOMES The active range of movement substantially improved in dorsiflexion (≥15°), whereas slightly decreased in plantar flexion (-5°). Aside from the tibialis anterior, an increase in muscle strength was detected. Surface EMG showed an increased activation, particularly in the peroneus longus. A decrease in gait speed and step length was recorded from the gait analysis, with a better bilateral symmetry. CONCLUSIONS Positive outcomes were reported without evidence of risk or adverse events for the participant.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diego Longo
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
- Biological Systems Movement Research Laboratory, Pistoia Italy
| | - Lorenzo Ammannati
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Daniela Melchiorre
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
- Biological Systems Movement Research Laboratory, Pistoia Italy
| | - Isabella Serafini
- Department of Functional Rehabilitation Activities, Azienda USL Toscana Centro, Ex Filanda, V. Cesare Battisti 30, Pescia, Italy
| | - Maria Angela Bagni
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
- Biological Systems Movement Research Laboratory, Pistoia Italy
| | - Francesco Ferrarello
- Department of Functional Rehabilitation Activities, Azienda USL Toscana Centro, c/o CSS Giovannini, Prato, Italy
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Levin MF, Berman S, Weiss N, Parmet Y, Baniña MC, Frenkel-Toledo S, Soroker N, Solomon JM, Liebermann DG. ENHANCE proof-of-concept three-arm randomized trial: effects of reaching training of the hemiparetic upper limb restricted to the spasticity-free elbow range. Sci Rep 2023; 13:22934. [PMID: 38129527 PMCID: PMC10739929 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-49974-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2023] [Accepted: 12/14/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Post-stroke motor recovery processes remain unknown. Timescales and patterns of upper-limb (UL) recovery suggest a major impact of biological factors, with modest contributions from rehabilitation. We assessed a novel impairment-based training motivated by motor control theory where reaching occurs within the spasticity-free elbow range. Patients with subacute stroke (≤ 6 month; n = 46) and elbow flexor spasticity were randomly allocated to a 10-day UL training protocol, either personalized by restricting reaching to the spasticity-free elbow range defined by the tonic stretch reflex threshold (TSRT) or non-personalized (non-restricted) and with/without anodal transcranial direct current stimulation. Outcomes assessed before, after, and 1 month post-intervention were elbow flexor TSRT angle and reach-to-grasp arm kinematics (primary) and stretch reflex velocity sensitivity, clinical impairment, and activity (secondary). Results were analyzed for 3 groups as well as those of the effects of impairment-based training. Clinical measures improved in both groups. Spasticity-free range training resulted in faster and smoother reaches, smaller (i.e., better) arm-plane path length, and closer-to-normal shoulder/elbow movement patterns. Non-personalized training improved clinical scores without improving arm kinematics, suggesting that clinical measures do not account for movement quality. Impairment-based training within a spasticity-free elbow range is promising since it may improve clinical scores together with arm movement quality.Clinical Trial Registration: URL: http://www.clinicaltrials.gov . Unique Identifier: NCT02725853; Initial registration date: 01/04/2016.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mindy F Levin
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, School of Physical and Occupational Therapy, McGill University, 3654 Promenade Sir William Osler, Montreal, QC, H3G 1Y5, Canada.
- Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Rehabilitation (CRIR), Montreal, QC, Canada.
| | - Sigal Berman
- Department of Industrial Engineering and Management, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
- The Zlotowski Center, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
| | - Neta Weiss
- Department of Industrial Engineering and Management, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
| | - Yisrael Parmet
- Department of Industrial Engineering and Management, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
| | - Melanie C Baniña
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, School of Physical and Occupational Therapy, McGill University, 3654 Promenade Sir William Osler, Montreal, QC, H3G 1Y5, Canada
- Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Rehabilitation (CRIR), Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Silvi Frenkel-Toledo
- Department of Physical Therapy, Ariel University, Ariel, Israel
- Department of Neurological Rehabilitation, Loewenstein Rehabilitation Hospital, Ra'anana, Israel
| | - Nachum Soroker
- Department of Neurological Rehabilitation, Loewenstein Rehabilitation Hospital, Ra'anana, Israel
- Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - John M Solomon
- Department of Physiotherapy, Manipal College of Health Professions, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka, India
- Centre for Comprehensive Stroke Rehabilitation and Research, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka, India
| | - Dario G Liebermann
- Department of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Medicine, Stanley Steyer School of Health Professions, Tel Aviv University, POB 39040, 61390, Ramat Aviv, Tel Aviv, Israel.
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Longo D, Santini G, Cherubini G, Melchiorre D, Ferrarello F, Bagni MA. The muscle shortening maneuver in individuals with stroke: a consideration-of-concept randomized pilot trial. Top Stroke Rehabil 2023; 30:807-819. [PMID: 36398746 DOI: 10.1080/10749357.2022.2145741] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2022] [Accepted: 11/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE The Muscle Shortening Maneuver (MSM) is derived from Feldman's λ model of motor control, and seems to induce a more balanced agonist- antagonist-muscular action. The hypothesized mechanism of action is a modulation of the Tonic Stretch Reflex Threshold (TSRT). We designed a pilot, randomized trial aimed to explore the mechanisms of action of the technique. An ancillary objective was to research the implementation of the MSM as a stroke rehabilitation intervention. METHODS A sample of 10 participants with chronic stroke was enrolled and randomly assigned to MSM (n, 5) or conventional physical therapy (CPT) (n, 5) treatments. The TSRTs were assessed by the Montreal Spasticity Measure device. A selection of clinical and instrumental outcome measures was taken to investigate function and activity levels. Data were collected at baseline, end-of-treatment, and one month after the end-of-treatment. RESULTS No adverse events were observed. In both between- and within-group post-treatment assessments, in the affected ankle the MSM group showed decreased TSRTs of the plantar flexor, increased strength of the dorsiflexor and active range of motion; also, the time needed to perform the Timed Up and Go test decreased. No changes were evident across assessments in the CPT group. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS The MSM seems able to modulate the TSRTs in individuals with stroke. Although with the limitations due to the pilot design, the variation in participants' responses appear to be promising. Many methodological issues have to be clarified and specified conceiving the progression toward a confirmatory trial.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diego Longo
- Department Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Guido Santini
- Department Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | | | - Daniela Melchiorre
- Department Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Francesco Ferrarello
- Department of Functional Rehabilitation activities, Azienda USL Toscana Centro, Prato, Italy
| | - Maria Angela Bagni
- Department Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
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Response to Letter to the Editor on "Reliability of the Modified Ashworth Scale After Stroke for 13 Muscle Groups". Arch Phys Med Rehabil 2023; 104:1736-1737. [PMID: 37479164 DOI: 10.1016/j.apmr.2023.06.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2023] [Accepted: 06/27/2023] [Indexed: 07/23/2023]
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7
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Piscitelli D, Pellicciari L, Vidmar T, Kregar NG, Puh U. Is It Time to Go Beyond the Modified Ashworth Scale? Letter to the Editor on "Reliability of the Modified Ashworth Scale After Stroke for 13 Muscle Groups". Arch Phys Med Rehabil 2023; 104:1735-1736. [PMID: 37479163 DOI: 10.1016/j.apmr.2023.06.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2023] [Accepted: 06/03/2023] [Indexed: 07/23/2023]
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Tjaša Vidmar
- Department of Rehabilitation of Patients After Stroke, University Rehabilitation Institute, Republic of Slovenia, Ljubljana, Slovenia.
| | - Nika Goljar Kregar
- Department of Rehabilitation of Patients After Stroke, University Rehabilitation Institute, Republic of Slovenia, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Urška Puh
- Research and Development Unit, University Rehabilitation Institute, Republic of Slovenia, Ljubljana, Slovenia
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Trompetto C, Marinelli L, Mori L, Bragazzi N, Maggi G, Cotellessa F, Puce L, Vestito L, Molteni F, Gasperini G, Farina N, Bissolotti L, Sciarrini F, Millevolte M, Balestrieri F, Restivo DA, Chisari C, Santamato A, Del Felice A, Manganotti P, Serrati C, Currà A. Increasing the Passive Range of Joint Motion in Stroke Patients Using Botulinum Toxin: The Role of Pain Relief. Toxins (Basel) 2023; 15:toxins15050335. [PMID: 37235369 DOI: 10.3390/toxins15050335] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2023] [Revised: 03/31/2023] [Accepted: 05/09/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
By blocking the release of neurotransmitters, botulinum toxin A (BoNT-A) is an effective treatment for muscle over-activity and pain in stroke patients. BoNT-A has also been reported to increase passive range of motion (p-ROM), the decrease of which is mainly due to muscle shortening (i.e., muscle contracture). Although the mechanism of action of BoNT-A on p-ROM is far from understood, pain relief may be hypothesized to play a role. To test this hypothesis, a retrospective investigation of p-ROM and pain was conducted in post-stroke patients treated with BoNT-A for upper limb hypertonia. Among 70 stroke patients enrolled in the study, muscle tone (Modified Ashworth Scale), pathological postures, p-ROM, and pain during p-ROM assessment (Numeric Rating Scale, NRS) were investigated in elbow flexors (48 patients) and in finger flexors (64 patients), just before and 3-6 weeks after BoNT-A treatment. Before BoNT-A treatment, pathological postures of elbow flexion were found in all patients but one. A decreased elbow p-ROM was found in 18 patients (38%). Patients with decreased p-ROM had higher pain-NRS scores (5.08 ± 1.96, with a pain score ≥8 in 11% of cases) than patients with normal p-ROM (0.57 ± 1.36) (p < 0.001). Similarly, pathological postures of finger flexion were found in all patients but two. A decreased finger p-ROM was found in 14 patients (22%). Pain was more intense in the 14 patients with decreased p-ROM (8.43 ± 1.74, with a pain score ≥ 8 in 86% of cases) than in the 50 patients with normal p-ROM (0.98 ± 1.89) (p < 0.001). After BoNT-A treatment, muscle tone, pathological postures, and pain decreased in both elbow and finger flexors. In contrast, p-ROM increased only in finger flexors. The study discusses that pain plays a pivotal role in the increase in p-ROM observed after BoNT-A treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlo Trompetto
- Department of Neuroscience, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health, University of Genoa, 16132 Genoa, GE, Italy
- IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Division of Neurorehabilitation, Department of Neuroscience, 16132 Genoa, GE, Italy
| | - Lucio Marinelli
- Department of Neuroscience, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health, University of Genoa, 16132 Genoa, GE, Italy
- IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Division of Clinical Neurophysiology, Department of Neuroscience, 16132 Genoa, GE, Italy
| | - Laura Mori
- Department of Neuroscience, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health, University of Genoa, 16132 Genoa, GE, Italy
- IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Division of Neurorehabilitation, Department of Neuroscience, 16132 Genoa, GE, Italy
| | - Nicola Bragazzi
- Laboratory for Industrial and Applied Mathematics (LIAM), Department of Mathematics and Statistics, York University, Toronto, ON M3J 1P3, Canada
| | - Giulia Maggi
- Department of Neuroscience, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health, University of Genoa, 16132 Genoa, GE, Italy
- IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Division of Neurorehabilitation, Department of Neuroscience, 16132 Genoa, GE, Italy
| | - Filippo Cotellessa
- Department of Neuroscience, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health, University of Genoa, 16132 Genoa, GE, Italy
- IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Division of Neurorehabilitation, Department of Neuroscience, 16132 Genoa, GE, Italy
| | - Luca Puce
- Department of Neuroscience, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health, University of Genoa, 16132 Genoa, GE, Italy
- IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Division of Neurorehabilitation, Department of Neuroscience, 16132 Genoa, GE, Italy
| | - Lucilla Vestito
- Department of Neuroscience, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health, University of Genoa, 16132 Genoa, GE, Italy
- IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Division of Neurorehabilitation, Department of Neuroscience, 16132 Genoa, GE, Italy
| | - Franco Molteni
- Villa Beretta Rehabilitation Center, 23845 Costa Masnaga, LC, Italy
| | - Giulio Gasperini
- Villa Beretta Rehabilitation Center, 23845 Costa Masnaga, LC, Italy
| | - Nico Farina
- Villa Beretta Rehabilitation Center, 23845 Costa Masnaga, LC, Italy
| | - Luciano Bissolotti
- Rehabilitation Service, Fondazione Teresa Camplani Casa di Cura Domus Salutis, 25123 Brescia, BS, Italy
| | | | - Marzia Millevolte
- Clinica di Neuroriabilitazione, AOU Ospedali Riuniti, 60030 Ancona, AN, Italy
| | - Fabrizio Balestrieri
- SOSD Gravi Cerebrolesioni Acquisite, AUSL Toscana Centro, 50141 Florence, FI, Italy
| | | | - Carmelo Chisari
- Section of Neurorehabilitation, Department of Medical Specialties, University Hospital of Pisa, 56124 Pisa, PI, Italy
| | - Andrea Santamato
- Spasticity and Movement Disorders "ReSTaRt" Unit, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Section, Policlinico Riuniti, University of Foggia, 71122 Foggia, FG, Italy
| | - Alessandra Del Felice
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Padua, 35122 Padua, PD, Italy
- Padua Neuroscience Center, University of Padua, 35122 Padua, PD, Italy
| | - Paolo Manganotti
- Clinical Unit of Neurology, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Health Sciences, Trieste University Hospital, University of Trieste, 34127 Trieste, TS, Italy
| | - Carlo Serrati
- Department of Neurology, Imperia Hospital, 18100 Imperia, IM, Italy
| | - Antonio Currà
- Academic Neurology Unit, Department of Medico-surgical Sciences and Biotechnologies, Sapienza University of Rome, 04019 Terracina, LT, Italy
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Guo X, Wallace R, Tan Y, Oetomo D, Klaic M, Crocher V. Technology-assisted assessment of spasticity: a systematic review. J Neuroeng Rehabil 2022; 19:138. [PMID: 36494721 PMCID: PMC9733065 DOI: 10.1186/s12984-022-01115-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2022] [Accepted: 11/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Spasticity is defined as "a motor disorder characterised by a velocity dependent increase in tonic stretch reflexes (muscle tone) with exaggerated tendon jerks". It is a highly prevalent condition following stroke and other neurological conditions. Clinical assessment of spasticity relies predominantly on manual, non-instrumented, clinical scales. Technology based solutions have been developed in the last decades to offer more specific, sensitive and accurate alternatives but no consensus exists on these different approaches. METHOD A systematic review of literature of technology-based methods aiming at the assessment of spasticity was performed. The approaches taken in the studies were classified based on the method used as well as their outcome measures. The psychometric properties and usability of the methods and outcome measures reported were evaluated. RESULTS 124 studies were included in the analysis. 78 different outcome measures were identified, among which seven were used in more than 10 different studies each. The different methods rely on a wide range of different equipment (from robotic systems to simple goniometers) affecting their cost and usability. Studies equivalently applied to the lower and upper limbs (48% and 52%, respectively). A majority of studies applied to a stroke population (N = 79). More than half the papers did not report thoroughly the psychometric properties of the measures. Analysis identified that only 54 studies used measures specific to spasticity. Repeatability and discriminant validity were found to be of good quality in respectively 25 and 42 studies but were most often not evaluated (N = 95 and N = 78). Clinical validity was commonly assessed only against clinical scales (N = 33). Sensitivity of the measure was assessed in only three studies. CONCLUSION The development of a large diversity of assessment approaches appears to be done at the expense of their careful evaluation. Still, among the well validated approaches, the ones based on manual stretching and measuring a muscle activity reaction and the ones leveraging controlled stretches while isolating the stretch-reflex torque component appear as the two promising practical alternatives to clinical scales. These methods should be further evaluated, including on their sensitivity, to fully inform on their potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinliang Guo
- grid.1008.90000 0001 2179 088XUoM and Fourier Intelligence Joint Robotics Laboratory, Mechanical Engineering Department, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Rebecca Wallace
- grid.416153.40000 0004 0624 1200Allied Health Department, The Royal Melbourne Hospital, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Ying Tan
- grid.1008.90000 0001 2179 088XUoM and Fourier Intelligence Joint Robotics Laboratory, Mechanical Engineering Department, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Denny Oetomo
- grid.1008.90000 0001 2179 088XUoM and Fourier Intelligence Joint Robotics Laboratory, Mechanical Engineering Department, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Marlena Klaic
- grid.1008.90000 0001 2179 088XSchool of Health Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Vincent Crocher
- grid.1008.90000 0001 2179 088XUoM and Fourier Intelligence Joint Robotics Laboratory, Mechanical Engineering Department, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
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10
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Valadão P, Bar-On L, Cenni F, Piitulainen H, Avela J, Finni T. Revising the stretch reflex threshold method to measure stretch hyperreflexia in cerebral palsy. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2022; 10:897852. [PMID: 36507281 PMCID: PMC9727281 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2022.897852] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2022] [Accepted: 11/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Hyper-resistance is an increased resistance to passive muscle stretch, a common feature in neurological disorders. Stretch hyperreflexia, an exaggerated stretch reflex response, is the neural velocity-dependent component of hyper-resistance, and has been quantitatively measured using the stretch reflex threshold (i.e., joint angle at the stretch reflex electromyographic onset). In this study, we introduce a correction in how the stretch reflex threshold is calculated, by accounting for the stretch reflex latency (i.e., time between the stretch reflex onset at the muscle spindles and its appearance in the electromyographic signal). Furthermore, we evaluated how this correction affects the stretch reflex threshold in children and young adults with spastic cerebral palsy. A motor-driven ankle dynamometer induced passive ankle dorsiflexions at four incremental velocities in 13 children with cerebral palsy (mean age: 13.5 years, eight males). The stretch reflex threshold for soleus and medial gastrocnemius muscles was calculated as 1) the joint angle corresponding to the stretch reflex electromyographic onset (i.e., original method); and as 2) the joint angle corresponding to the electromyographic onset minus the individual Hoffmann-reflex latency (i.e., latency corrected method). The group linear regression slopes between stretch velocity and stretch reflex threshold differed in both muscles between methods (p < 0.05). While the original stretch reflex threshold was velocity dependent in both muscles (p < 0.05), the latency correction rendered it velocity independent. Thus, the effects of latency correction on the stretch reflex threshold are substantial, especially at higher stretch velocities, and should be considered in future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pedro Valadão
- Neuromuscular Research Center, Faculty of Sport and Health Sciences, University of Jyväskylä, Jyväskylä, Finland,*Correspondence: Pedro Valadão,
| | - Lynn Bar-On
- Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, Ghent University, Gent, Belgium,Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Amsterdam Movement Sciences, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Francesco Cenni
- Neuromuscular Research Center, Faculty of Sport and Health Sciences, University of Jyväskylä, Jyväskylä, Finland
| | - Harri Piitulainen
- Neuromuscular Research Center, Faculty of Sport and Health Sciences, University of Jyväskylä, Jyväskylä, Finland,Department of Neuroscience and Biomedical Engineering, Aalto University, Espoo, Finland,Motion Analysis Laboratory, Children and Adolescents, Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Janne Avela
- Neuromuscular Research Center, Faculty of Sport and Health Sciences, University of Jyväskylä, Jyväskylä, Finland
| | - Taija Finni
- Neuromuscular Research Center, Faculty of Sport and Health Sciences, University of Jyväskylä, Jyväskylä, Finland
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Guo X, Tang J, Crocher V, Klaic M, Oetomo D, Xie Q, Galea MP, Niu CM, Tan Y. A Practical Post-Stroke Elbow Spasticity Assessment Using an Upper Limb Rehabilitation Robot: A Validation Study. ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE OF THE IEEE ENGINEERING IN MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY SOCIETY. IEEE ENGINEERING IN MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY SOCIETY. ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE 2022; 2022:4159-4162. [PMID: 36086384 DOI: 10.1109/embc48229.2022.9871423] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Spasticity is a motor disorder characterised by a velocity-dependent increase in muscle tone, which is critical in neurorehabilitation given its high prevalence and potential negative influence among the post-stroke population. Accurate measurement of spasticity is important as it guides the strategy of spasticity treatment and evaluates the effectiveness of spasticity management. However, spasticity is commonly measured using clinical scales which may lack objectivity and reliability. Although many technology-assisted measures have been developed, showing their potential as accurate and reliable alternatives to standard clinical scales, they have not been widely adopted in clinical practice due to their low usability and feasibility. This paper thus introduces an easy-to-use robotic based measure of elbow spasticity and its evaluation protocol. Preliminary results collected with one post-stroke patient and one healthy control subject are presented and demonstrate the feasibility of the approach.
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Shared and distinct voxel-based lesion-symptom mappings for spasticity and impaired movement in the hemiparetic upper limb. Sci Rep 2022; 12:10169. [PMID: 35715476 PMCID: PMC9206020 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-14359-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2022] [Accepted: 06/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Hemiparesis and spasticity are common co-occurring manifestations of hemispheric stroke. The relationship between impaired precision and force in voluntary movement (hemiparesis) and the increment in muscle tone that stems from dysregulated activity of the stretch reflex (spasticity) is far from clear. Here we aimed to elucidate whether variation in lesion topography affects hemiparesis and spasticity in a similar or dis-similar manner. Voxel-based lesion-symptom mapping (VLSM) was used to assess the impact of lesion topography on (a) upper limb paresis, as reflected by the Fugl-Meyer Assessment scale for the upper limb and (b) elbow flexor spasticity, as reflected by the Tonic Stretch Reflex Threshold, in 41 patients with first-ever stroke. Hemiparesis and spasticity were affected by damage to peri-Sylvian cortical and subcortical regions and the putamen. Hemiparesis (but not spasticity) was affected by damage to the corticospinal tract at corona-radiata and capsular levels, and by damage to white-matter association tracts and additional regions in the temporal cortex and pallidum. VLSM conjunction analysis showed only a minor overlap of brain voxels where the existence of damage affected both hemiparesis and spasticity, suggesting that control of voluntary movement and regulation of muscle tone at rest involve largely separate parts of the motor network.
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Chen CPC, Suputtitada A, Chatkungwanson W, Seehaboot K. Anterior or Posterior Ankle Foot Orthoses for Ankle Spasticity: Which One Is Better? Brain Sci 2022; 12:brainsci12040454. [PMID: 35447984 PMCID: PMC9027033 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci12040454] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2022] [Revised: 03/14/2022] [Accepted: 03/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Ankle foot orthoses (AFOs) are commonly used by stroke patients to walk safely and efficiently. Both posterior AFOs (PAFOs) and anterior AFOs (AAFOs) are available. The objective of this study was to compare the efficacy of AAFOs and PAFOs in the treatment of ankle spasticity. Materials and Methods: A crossover design with randomization for the interventions and blinded assessors was used. Twenty patients with chronic stroke, a Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS) score of the ankle joint of 2, and a Tardieu angle ≥20 degrees were recruited. The patients were assigned to wear either an AAFO or PAFO at random and subsequently crossover to the other AFO. Results: Twenty stroke patients with ankle spasticity were recruited. The mean age was 46.60 (38−60) years. The mean time since stroke onset was 9.35 (6−15) months. It was discovered that the AAFO improved walking speed as well as the stretch reflex dynamic electromyography (dEMG) and walking dEMG amplitudes of the medial gastrocnemius muscles more significantly than the PAFO (p < 0.05). Conclusions: The AAFO had greater efficacy in reducing both static and dynamic ankle spasticity, and allowed for faster walking than the PAFO. The stretch reflex and walking dEMG amplitudes could be used for quantitative spasticity assessment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carl P. C. Chen
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital at Linkou, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Guishan District, Taoyuan City 33343, Taiwan;
| | - Areerat Suputtitada
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand;
- Division of Rehabilitation Medicine, King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital, Bangkok 10330, Thailand;
- Excellent Center for Gait and Motion, King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
- Correspondence: or
| | - Watchara Chatkungwanson
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand;
| | - Kittikorn Seehaboot
- Division of Rehabilitation Medicine, King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital, Bangkok 10330, Thailand;
- Excellent Center for Gait and Motion, King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
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Rezende AR, Marques IA, Alves CM, Morais Shinosaki JS, Martins Naves EL. Effect of botulinum toxin on spasticity level assessed by tonic stretch reflex threshold: a feasibility pilot study. Ing Rech Biomed 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.irbm.2022.02.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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Wissel J, Ri S. Assessment, goal setting, and botulinum neurotoxin a therapy in the management of post-stroke spastic movement disorder: updated perspectives on best practice. Expert Rev Neurother 2021; 22:27-42. [PMID: 34933648 DOI: 10.1080/14737175.2021.2021072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Post-stroke spastic movement disorder (PS-SMD) appears up to 20% in the first week following stroke and 40% in the chronic phase. It may create major hurdles to overcome in early stroke rehabilitation and as one relevant factor that reduces quality of life to a major degree in the chronic phase. AREAS COVERED In this review, we discuss predictors,early identification, clinical assessments, goal setting, and management in multiprofessional team, including Botulinum neurotoxin A (BoNT-A) injection for early and chronic management of PS-SMD. EXPERT OPINION The earlier PS-SMD is recognized and managed, the better the outcome will be. The comprehensive management in the subacute or chronic phase of PS-SMD with BoNT-A injections requires detailed assessment, patient-centered goal setting, technical-guided injection, effective dosing of BoNT-A per site, muscle, and session and timed adjunctive treatment, delivered in a multi-professional team approach in conjunction with physical treatment. Evidence-based data showed BoNT-A injections are safe and effective in managing focal, multifocal, segmental PS-SMD and its complications. If indicated, BoNT-A therapy should be accompanied with adjunctive treatment in adequate time slots. BoNT-A could be added to oral, intrathecal, and surgical treatment in severe multisegmental or generalized PS-SMD to reach patient/caregiver's goals, especially in chronic PS-SMD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jörg Wissel
- Department of Neurorehabilitation and Physical Therapy, Vivantes Klinikum Spandau, Neue Bergstrasse 6, 13585 Berlin, Germany.,Neurology and Psychosomatics at Wittenbergplatz, Out-Patient-Clinic, Ansbacher straße 17-19, 10787 Berlin, Germany
| | - Songjin Ri
- Neurology and Psychosomatics at Wittenbergplatz, Out-Patient-Clinic, Ansbacher straße 17-19, 10787 Berlin, Germany.,Department of Neurology, Charité University Hospital (CBS), Hindenburgdamm 30, Berlin 12203, Germany
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Heinke LN, Knicker AJ, Albracht K. Test-Retest reliability of the internal shoulder rotator muscles' stretch reflex in healthy men. J Electromyogr Kinesiol 2021; 62:102611. [PMID: 34800872 DOI: 10.1016/j.jelekin.2021.102611] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2021] [Revised: 10/07/2021] [Accepted: 10/29/2021] [Indexed: 10/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Until now the reproducibility of the short latency stretch reflex of the internal rotator muscles of the glenohumeral joint has not been identified. Twenty-three healthy male participants performed three sets of external shoulder rotation stretches with various pre-activation levels on two different dates of measurement to assess test-retest reliability. All stretches were applied with a dynamometer acceleration of 104°/s2 and a velocity of 150°/s. Electromyographical response was measured via surface EMG. Reflex latencies showed a pre-activation effect (ƞ2 = 0,355). ICC ranged from 0,735 to 0,909 indicating an overall "good" relative reliability. SRD 95% lay between ±7,0 to ±12,3 ms. The reflex gain showed overall poor test-retest reproducibility. The chosen methodological approach presented a suitable test protocol for shoulder muscles stretch reflex latency evaluation. A proof-of-concept study to validate the presented methodical approach in shoulder involvement including subjects with clinically relevant conditions is recommended.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lars N Heinke
- Institute of Movement and Neuroscience, German Sports University, Cologne, Germany.
| | - Axel J Knicker
- Institute of Movement and Neuroscience, German Sports University, Cologne, Germany
| | - Kirsten Albracht
- Institute of Movement and Neuroscience, German Sports University, Cologne, Germany; Faculty of Medical Engineering and Technomathematics, FH Aachen University of Applied Sciences, Aachen, Germany
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