Predictors of upper limb spasticity after stroke? A systematic review and meta-analysis

Risk factors for post-stroke spasticity: a retrospective study

Background

Post-stroke spasticity (PSS) is a common complication after stroke and is an important cause of high rates of disability after stroke. At present, modern medicine has made great progress in the treatment of PSS, 'early detection, early treatment' has become a general consensus for the treatment of PSS in the clinic. Clarifying the risk factors of PSS can help to detect and treat the functional disorders caused by PSS at an earlier stage.

Methods

This is a retrospective study. 436 stroke patients who visited the Neurology Department of the Third Affiliated Clinical Hospital of Changchun University of Chinese Medicine from June 2020 to November 2020 were selected as study subjects, and finally 257 patients were included in the final analysis, and divided into 101 cases with spasticity and 156 cases without spasticity, depending on whether or not the stroke victim had a spasm at the time of admission.

Results

The multivariate regression analysis showed that basal ganglia as the cerebral hemorrhage or infarction site (OR = 4.930, 95%CI = 2.743-8.86, p = 0.000), cerebral hemorrhage or infarction volume (OR = 1.087, 95%CI = 1.016-1.164, p = 0.016) and NIHSS scores (OR = 1.232, 95%CI = 1.089-1.393, p = 0.001) are independent influencing factors and independent risk factors for spasticity (p < 0.05). A risk prediction model for spasticity in stroke patients is derived with the multivariate logistic regression analysis Logit (P) = 1.595 * Basal ganglia +0.084 * infarct volume + 0.208 * NIHSS scores - 2.092. An evaluation of the goodness of fit using the ROC curve showed AUC (95% CI) = 0.786 (0.730-0.843), an indication of a high degree of model fit.

Conclusion

Independent risk factors for Post-stroke spasticity include basal ganglia as the cerebral hemorrhage or infarction site, cerebral hemorrhage or infarction volume and NIHSS scores.

Predictors of Spasticity 3-6 Mos After Stroke: A 5-Yr Retrospective Cohort Study

OBJECTIVE

The aim of the study is to identify predictors of poststroke spasticity (modified Ashworth Scale scores, ≥1) at 3-6 mos after stroke.

DESIGN

A 5-yr (2015-2020) retrospective cohort of patients who attended inpatient stroke rehabilitation in Southwestern Ontario, Canada, were included. Sociodemographic, clinical, stroke-related, rehabilitation-related, and outcome measure data were extracted from paper charts and electronic databases.

RESULTS

Of the 922 individuals attending inpatient stroke rehabilitation, 606 (55.8% males; mean age = 70.9 ± 14.2 yrs) returned for an outpatient visit. Most patients had a first ever ( n = 518; 85.5%), ischemic ( n = 470; 77.6%) stroke with hemiplegia ( n = 449, 74.1%). A total of 20.3% ( n = 122) of patients had developed poststroke spasticity by 4 mos after stroke. A binary logistic regression significantly predicted poststroke spasticity (χ 2 (6) = 111.696, P < 0.0001) with good model fit (χ 2 (8) = 12.181, P = 0.143). There were six significant poststroke spasticity predictors: hemorrhagic stroke ( P = 0.049), younger age ( P < 0.001), family history of stroke ( P = 0.015), Functional Independence Measure admission score ( P < 0.001), use of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors ( P = 0.044), and hemiplegia ( P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Patients should be monitored closely for poststroke spasticity after discharge from stroke rehabilitation and throughout the care continuum.

IMPROVE study protocol, investigating post-stroke local muscle vibrations to promote cerebral plasticity and functional recovery: a single-blind randomised controlled trial

INTRODUCTION

Spasticity is a frequent disabling consequence following a stroke. Local muscle vibrations (LMVs) have been proposed as a treatment to address this problem. However, little is known about their clinical and neurophysiological impacts when used repeatedly during the subacute phase post-stroke. This project aims to evaluate the effects of a 6-week LMV protocol on the paretic limb on spasticity development in a post-stroke subacute population.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

This is an interventional, controlled, randomised, single-blind (patient) trial. 100 participants over 18 years old will be recruited, within 6 weeks following a first stroke with hemiparesis or hemiplegia. All participants will receive a conventional rehabilitation programme, plus 18 sessions of LMV (ie, continuously for 30 min) on relaxed wrist and elbow flexors: either (1) at 80 Hz for the interventional group or (2) at 40 Hz plus a foam band between the skin and the device for the control group.Participants will be evaluated at baseline, at 3 weeks and 6 weeks, and at 6 months after the end of the intervention. Spasticity will be measured by the modified Ashworth scale and with an isokinetic dynamometer. Sensorimotor function will be assessed with the Fugl-Meyer assessment of the upper extremity. Corticospinal and spinal excitabilities will be measured each time.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

This study was recorded in a clinical trial and obtained approval from the institutional review board (Comité de protection des personnes Ile de France IV, 2021-A03219-32). All participants will be required to provide informed consent. The results of this trial will be published in peer-reviewed journals to disseminate information to clinicians and impact their practice for an improved patient's care.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

Clinical Trial: NCT05315726 DATASET: EUDRAct.

Prevalence and clinical predictors of spasticity after intracerebral hemorrhage

BACKGROUND

Spasticity is a common complication of intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH). However, no consensus exists on the relation between spasticity and initial clinical findings after ICH.

METHODS

This retrospective study enrolled adult patients with a history of ICH between January 2012 and October 2020. The modified Ashworth scale was used to assess spasticity. A trained image analyst traced all ICH lesions. Multivariable logistic regression was used to examine the association between ICH lesion sites and spasticity.

RESULTS

We finally analyzed 304 patients (mean age 54.86 ± 12.93 years; 72.04% men). The incidence of spasticity in patients with ICH was 30.92%. Higher National Institutes of Health stroke scale (NIHSS) scores were associated with an increased predicted probability for spasticity (odds ratio, OR = 1.153 [95% confidence interval, CI 1.093-1.216], p < .001). Logistic regression analysis revealed that lower age, higher NIHSS scores, and drinking were associated with an increased risk of moderate-to-severe spasticity (OR = 0.965 [95% CI 0.939-0.992], p = .013; OR = 1.068 [95% CI 1.008-1.130], p = .025; OR = 4.809 [95% CI 1.671-13.840], p = .004, respectively). However, smoking and ICH in the thalamus were associated with a reduced risk of moderate-to-severe spasticity (OR = 0.200 [95% CI 0.071-0.563], p = .002; OR = 0.405 [95% CI 0.140-1.174], p = .046, respectively) compared with ICH in the basal ganglia.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results suggest that ICH lesion locations are at least partly associated with post-stroke spasticity rather than the latter simply being a physiological reaction to ICH itself. The predictors for spasticity after ICH were age, NIHSS scores, past medical history, and ICH lesion sites.

The Place of Botulinum Toxin in Spastic Hemiplegic Shoulder Pain after Stroke: A Scoping Review

Stroke is a common pathology worldwide, with an age-standardized global rate of new strokes of 150.5 per 100,000 population in 2017. Stroke causes upper motor neuron impairment leading to a spectrum of muscle weakness around the shoulder joint, changes in muscle tone, and subsequent soft tissue changes. Hemiplegic shoulder pain (HSP) is the most common pain condition in stroke patients and one of the four most common medical complications after stroke. The importance of the appropriate positioning and handling of the hemiplegic shoulder for prevention of HSP is therefore of high clinical relevance. Nevertheless, HSP remains a frequent and disabling problem after stroke, with a 1-year prevalence rate up to 39%. Furthermore, the severity of the motor impairment is one of the most important identified risk factors for HSP in literature. Spasticity is one of these motor impairments that is likely to be modifiable. After ruling out or treating other shoulder pathologies, spasticity must be assessed and treated because it could lead to a cascade of unwanted complications, including spastic HSP. In clinical practice, Botulinum toxin A (BTA) is regarded as the first-choice treatment of focal spasticity in the upper limb, as it gives the opportunity to target specifically selected muscles. It thereby provides the possibility of a unique patient tailored focal and reversible treatment for post stroke spasticity. This scoping review aims to summarize the current evidence of BTA treatment for spastic HSP. First, the clinical manifestation and outcome measures of spastic HSP will be addressed, and second the current evidence of BTA treatment of spastic HSP will be reviewed. We also go in-depth into the elements of BTA application that may optimize the therapeutic effect of BTA. Finally, future considerations for the use of BTA for spastic HSP in clinical practice and research settings will be discussed.

Prevalence and factors influencing the occurrence of spasticity in stroke patients: a retrospective study

BACKGROUND

To describe the prevalence and clinical characteristics of stroke patients without spasticity, and simultaneously analyse the factors related to post-stroke non-spasticity.

METHODS

In this retrospective study, information on patients hospitalized in the department of rehabilitation, Daping Hospital, over the past eight years was collected. Demographic information and clinical characteristics were statistically analysed.

RESULTS

A total of 819 stroke patients with an average age of 61.66±13.72 years old were analysed, including 561 males (68.5%), and 258 females (31.5%). In this study, 201 (24.5%) patients developed spasticity, and 618 (75.5%) patients had no spasticity. Patients without spasticity were older than those with spasticity. Patients with ischemic stroke and mild functional impairment were also less likely to have spasticity. Post-stroke spasticity may be related to age [odd ratio (OR): 0.982; 95% CI:0.965 to 0.999; P = 0.042), hemorrhagic stroke (OR: 1.643; 95% CI: 1.029 to 2.626; P = 0.038), National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) Scores (OR: 1.132; 95% CI: 1.063 to 1.204; P = 0.000].

CONCLUSION

Most stroke patients do not have spasticity, especially the elderly, patients with ischemic stroke, and those with mild functional impairment, suggesting that not all upper motor nerve injuries lead to increased muscle tension. For young individuals, patients with hemorrhagic stroke, and those with moderate to severe functional impairment, close follow-up is necessary to identify the occurrence of spasticity early on and then formulate corresponding rehabilitation strategies for prompt intervention.

Effectiveness of kinesiology taping on the functions of upper limbs in patients with stroke: a meta-analysis of randomized trial

Background

Kinesiology tape (KT), a water-resistant and elastic tape which is well known measure for preventing musculoskeletal injuries, has recently gained popularity in neurological rehabilitation. This is a systematic and meta-analysis study, useful both to evaluate the efficacy of kinesiology taping on the functions of upper limbs in patients with stroke and to collect the main outcomes evaluated in the analyzed studies.

Methods

A comprehensive literature search of electronic databases including Medline, Web of science, Embase, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro), WANFANG, and the China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI). Additional articles were obtained by scanning reference lists of included studies and previous reviews. Keywords were “kinesiology taping,” “kinesio,” “kinesio taping,” “tape” and “stroke,” “hemiplegia,” “hemiplegic paralysis,” “apoplexy,” “hemiparesis,” “upper extremity,” “upper limb.” All the RCTs were included. Quality assessment was performed using Cochrane criteria. Upper extremity function and pain intensity was pooled as the primary outcome, and shoulder subluxation, muscle spasticity, general disability, PROM of abduction, and adverse effects as secondary outcomes.

Results

Twelve articles were included. Pooled data provided evidence that there was significance between kinesiology taping groups and control groups in pain intensity (standardized mean difference − 0.79, 95% CI − 1.39 to − 0.19), shoulder subluxation (standardized mean difference − 0.50, 95%CI − 0.80 to − 0.20), general disability (standardized mean difference 0.35, 95%CI 0.10 to 0.59), upper extremity function (standardized mean difference 0.61, 95%CI 0.18 to 1.04), and the PROM of flexion (standardized mean difference 0.63, 95%CI 0.28 to 0.98).

Conclusion

Current evidence suggested that kinesiology taping could be recommended to improve upper limb function in patients with stroke in pain intensity, shoulder subluxation, general disability, upper extremity function, and the PROM of flexion.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethical approval requirements are not necessary for this review. This systematic review and meta-analysis will be disseminated online and on paper to help guide the clinical practice better.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42020179762.

Cerebellar Intermittent Theta-Burst Stimulation Reduces Upper Limb Spasticity After Subacute Stroke: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Objective: This study aims to explore the efficacy of cerebellar intermittent theta-burst stimulation (iTBS) on upper limb spasticity in subacute stroke patients.

Methods: A total of 32 patients with upper limb spasticity were enrolled and randomly assigned to treatment with cerebellar iTBS or sham stimulation before conventional physical therapy daily for 2 weeks. The primary outcomes included the modified Ashworth scale (MAS), the modified Tardieu scale (MTS), and the shear wave velocity (SWV). The secondary outcomes were the H-maximum wave/M-maximum wave amplitude ratio (H_max/M_max ratio), motor-evoked potential (MEP) latency and amplitude, central motor conduction time (CMCT), and the Barthel Index (BI). All outcomes were evaluated at baseline and after 10 sessions of intervention.

Results: After the intervention, both groups showed significant improvements in the MAS, MTS, SWV, and BI. In addition, patients treated with cerebellar iTBS had a significant increase in MEP amplitude, and patients treated with sham stimulation had a significant decrease in H_max/M_max ratio. Compared with the sham stimulation group, the MAS, MTS, and SWV decreased more in the cerebellar iTBS group.

Conclusion: Cerebellar iTBS is a promising adjuvant tool to reinforce the therapeutic effect of conventional physical therapy in upper limb spasticity management after subacute stroke (Chinese Clinical Trial Registry: ChiCTR1900026516).

Revisiting Spasticity After Stroke: Clustering Clinical Characteristics for Identifying At-Risk Individuals

Purpose

To collectively identify the clinical characteristics determining the risk of developing spasticity after stroke.

Patients and Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted at a single rehabilitation outpatient clinic from June to December 2019. Inclusion criteria were stroke duration of over four weeks, aged 18 years and above. Exclusion criteria were presence of concurrent conditions other than stroke that could also lead to spasticity. Recruited patients were divided into “Spasticity” and “No spasticity” groups. Univariate analysis was deployed to identify significant predictive spasticity factors between the two groups followed by a two-step clustering approach for determining group of characteristics that collectively contributes to the risk of developing spasticity in the “Spasticity” group.

Results

A total of 216 post-stroke participants were recruited. The duration after stroke (p < 0.001) and the absence of hemisensory loss (p = 0.042) were two significant factors in the “Spasticity” group revealed by the univariate analysis. From a total of 98 participants with spasticity, the largest cluster of individuals (40 patients, 40.8%) was those within less than 20 months after stroke with moderate stroke and absence of hemisensory loss, while the smallest cluster was those within less than 20 months after severe stroke and absence of hemisensory loss (21 patients, 21.4%).

Conclusion

Analyzing collectively the significant factors of developing spasticity may have the potential to be more clinically relevant in a heterogeneous post-stroke population that may assist in the spasticity management and treatment.

Analysis of Prognostic Risk Factors Determining Poor Functional Recovery After Comprehensive Rehabilitation Including Motor-Imagery Brain-Computer Interface Training in Stroke Patients: A Prospective Study

Objective: Upper limb (UL) motor function recovery, especially distal function, is one of the main goals of stroke rehabilitation as this function is important to perform activities of daily living (ADL). The efficacy of the motor-imagery brain-computer interface (MI-BCI) has been demonstrated in patients with stroke. Most patients with stroke receive comprehensive rehabilitation, including MI-BCI and routine training. However, most aspects of MI-BCI training for patients with subacute stroke are based on routine training. Risk factors for inadequate distal UL functional recovery in these patients remain unclear; therefore, it is more realistic to explore the prognostic factors of this comprehensive treatment based on clinical practice. The present study aims to investigate the independent risk factors that might lead to inadequate distal UL functional recovery in patients with stroke after comprehensive rehabilitation including MI-BCI (CRIMI-BCI). Methods: This prospective study recruited 82 patients with stroke who underwent CRIMI-BCI. Motor-imagery brain-computer interface training was performed for 60 min per day, 5 days per week for 4 weeks. The primary outcome was improvement of the wrist and hand dimensionality of Fugl-Meyer Assessment (δFMA-WH). According to the improvement score, the patients were classified into the efficient group (EG, δFMA-WH > 2) and the inefficient group (IG, δFMA-WH ≤ 2). Binary logistic regression was used to analyze clinical and demographic data, including aphasia, spasticity of the affected hand [assessed by Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS-H)], initial UL function, age, gender, time since stroke (TSS), lesion hemisphere, and lesion location. Results: Seventy-three patients completed the study. After training, all patients showed significant improvement in FMA-UL (Z = 7.381, p = 0.000^**), FMA-SE (Z = 7.336, p = 0.000^**), and FMA-WH (Z = 6.568, p = 0.000^**). There were 35 patients (47.9%) in the IG group and 38 patients (52.1%) in the EG group. Multivariate analysis revealed that presence of aphasia [odds ratio (OR) 4.617, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.435-14.860; p < 0.05], initial FMA-UL score ≤ 30 (OR 5.158, 95% CI 1.150-23.132; p < 0.05), and MAS-H ≥ level I+ (OR 3.810, 95% CI 1.231-11.790; p < 0.05) were the risk factors for inadequate distal UL functional recovery in patients with stroke after CRIMI-BCI. Conclusion: We concluded that CRIMI-BCI improved UL function in stroke patients with varying effectiveness. Inferior initial UL function, significant hand spasticity, and presence of aphasia were identified as independent risk factors for inadequate distal UL functional recovery in stroke patients after CRIMI-BCI.

BoNT-A for Post-Stroke Spasticity: Guidance on Unmet Clinical Needs from a Delphi Panel Approach

There is extensive literature supporting the efficacy of botulinum toxin (BoNT-A) for the treatment of post-stroke spasticity, however, there remain gaps in the routine management of patients with post-stroke spasticity. A panel of 21 Italian experts was selected to participate in this web-based survey Delphi process to provide guidance that can support clinicians in the decision-making process. There was a broad consensus among physicians that BoNT-A intervention should be administered as soon as the spasticity interferes with the patients' clinical condition. Patients monitoring is needed over time, a follow-up of 4-6 weeks is considered necessary. Furthermore, physicians agreed that treatment should be offered irrespective of the duration of the spasticity. The Delphi consensus also stressed the importance of patient-centered goals in order to satisfy the clinical needs of the patient regardless of time of onset or duration of spasticity. The findings arising from this Delphi process provide insights into the unmet needs in managing post-stroke spasticity from the clinician's perspective and provides guidance for physicians for the utilization of BoNT-A for the treatment of post-stroke spasticity in daily practice.

Determining the Intracortical Responses After a Single Session of Aerobic Exercise in Young Healthy Individuals: A Systematic Review and Best Evidence Synthesis

ABSTRACT

Alibazi, RJ, Pearce, AJ, Rostami, M, Frazer, AK, Brownstein, C, and Kidgell, DJ. Determining the intracortical responses after a single session of aerobic exercise in young healthy individuals: a systematic review and best evidence synthesis. J Strength Cond Res 35(2): 562-575, 2021-A single bout of aerobic exercise (AE) may induce changes in the excitability of the intracortical circuits of the primary motor cortex (M1). Similar to noninvasive brain stimulation techniques, such as transcranial direct current stimulation, AE could be used as a priming technique to facilitate motor learning. This review examined the effect of AE on modulating intracortical excitability and inhibition in human subjects. A systematic review, according to PRISMA guidelines, identified studies by database searching, hand searching, and citation tracking between inception and the last week of February 2020. Methodological quality of included studies was determined using the Downs and Black quality index and Cochrane Collaboration of risk of bias tool. Data were synthesized and analyzed using best-evidence synthesis. There was strong evidence for AE not to change corticospinal excitability and conflicting evidence for increasing intracortical facilitation and reducing silent period and long-interval cortical inhibition. Aerobic exercise did reduce short-interval cortical inhibition, which suggests AE modulates the excitability of the short-latency inhibitory circuits within the M1; however, given the small number of included studies, it remains unclear how AE affects all circuits. In light of the above, AE may have important implications during periods of rehabilitation, whereby priming AE could be used to facilitate motor learning.

Prevalence and Risk Factors for Spasticity After Stroke: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Background: Spasticity is a common sequela of stroke. The incidence of poststroke spasticity (PSS) has not been systematically reviewed in recent years, and some risk factors remain debated. This systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted to determine the prevalence and risk factors for PSS. Methods: We searched electronic databases (PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, CNKI, WANFANG and CBM) inception to May 12, 2020. Observational studies summarizing the incidence or risk factors for PSS were included. Only cohort studies were enrolled in meta-analysis. For risk factors examined in at least three different studies, we combined effects into odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI). Results: One thousand four hundred sixty-seven studies were retrieved and 23 were involved in meta-analysis. The pooled prevalence of spasticity after stroke was 25.3% and that after the first-ever stroke was 26.7%. The incidence of spasticity after the first-ever stroke with paresis was 39.5%. The prevalence of disabling or severe spasticity (MAS ≥ 3) in stroke patients with paresis was 9.4% (95% CI 0.056-0.133), and severe spasticity was 10.3% (95% CI 0.058-0.149). Moderate to severe paresis (OR = 6.573, 95% CI 2.579-16.755, I ² = 0.0%), hemorrhagic stroke (OR = 1.879, 95% CI 1.418-2.490, I ² = 27.3%) and sensory disorder were risk factors for PSS. Conclusions: The incidence of PSS was significantly higher in stroke patients with paresis. Patients with moderate to severe paresis and sensory disorder should be closely followed up. The role of hemorrhagic stroke in predicting PSS remains to be further explored.

Early clinical predictors of post stroke spasticity

Background and Purpose: Up to 40% of stroke patients with paresis develop post-stroke spasticity (PSS), which induces difficult complications including pain, contracture, posture disorder. The most important factor for PSS management is its early initiation, so that early recognition of PSS is required in clinical practice.Methods: This prospective observational cohort study was conducted with a high standard of PSS assessment and a comprehensive protocol investigating possible predictive factors to identify early predictors of PSS already in the acute phase following stroke (<7 days). PSS was assessed with the Resistance to Passive movement Scale (REPAS) for major joint movements in upper- and lower limbs, based on Ashworth scale, within 7 days following stroke and after 3 months. Binary logistic regression analysis with significant clinical parameters was applied with 95% of confidence intervals (CI) to find predictors of PSS.Results: Of 145 consecutive first-ever stroke patients, 34 patients (23.4%) exhibited PSS. The Modified Rankin Scale (MRS), National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS), and Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) were revealed as strong clinical predictors of PSS. The combination of an MRS >2 (Odds Ratio (OR): 56.538, 95% CI: 17.150-186.394), NIHSS >2 (OR: 57.137, 95% CI:15.685-208.142) and MMSE <27 (OR: 6.133, 95% CI:2.653-14.178) showed positive predictive (95.2%) value for prediction of PSS (sensitivity 94.4%, specificity 93.3%).Conclusions: Besides evaluating PSS itself with a reliable and valid rating scale the common clinical scales in stroke units practice (NIHSS, MRS, MMSE) allow early identification of patients at high risk for PSS.

Prevalence of Spasticity and Postural Patterns in the Upper Extremity Post Stroke

INTRODUCTION

A high number of patients with stroke develop upper extremity spasticity, causing abnormal postures and patterns. These alterations limit the use of arm in functional activities and affect social participation.

AIM

To determine the prevalence of spasticity and postural patterns of the upper extremity post stroke.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A cross-sectional descriptive design was used with a prospective follow-up. The sample included 136 patients. The study included 3 measuring times; at 10 days (T1), applying a record with sociodemographic-clinical data, the evaluation of muscle tone in the elbow and wrist and the postural patterns of the UE, and at 3 months (T2) and 12 months (T3) post stroke, re-evaluating tone and patterns. Prevalence was calculated through the one-sample chi-squared (χ2) test followed by inspection of the standardized residuals (z) in each cell. The Kappa coefficient evaluated the degree of agreement in elbow and wrist tone.

RESULTS

The prevalence of spasticity in the elbow was 37.5% at T1, 57.4% at T2, and 57.4% at T3. At each time there was a high degree of agreement between elbow and wrist tone. Patients developed increased elbow tone between T1 and T2, with maintained tone between T2 and T3. Postural pattern III was the most prevalent according to Hefter's classification.

CONCLUSION

The prevalence of spasticity in the elbow and wrist increases between 10 days and 3 months post stroke, and is maintained between 3 and 12 months. The onset of spasticity occurs in almost half of patients during the first 10 days post stroke. Postural pattern III according to Hefter's classification presented the greatest prevalence in the spastic UE.

Effectiveness of interventions to improve hand motor function in individuals with moderate to severe stroke: a systematic review protocol

INTRODUCTION

The human hand is extremely involved in our daily lives. However, the rehabilitation of hand function after stroke can be rather difficult due to the complexity of hand structure and function, as well as neural basis that supports hand function. Specifically, in individuals with moderate to severe impairment following a stroke, previous evidence for effective treatments that recover hand function in this population is limited, and thus has never been reviewed. With the progress of rehabilitation science and tool development, results from more and more clinical trials are now available, thereby justifying conducting a systematic review.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

This systematic review protocol is consistent with the methodology recommended by the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Protocols and the Cochrane handbook for systematic reviews of interventions. Electronic searches will be carried out in the PubMed, CINAHL, Physiotherapy Evidence Database and Cochrane Library databases, along with manual searches in the reference lists from included studies and published systematic reviews. The date range parameters used in searching all databases is between January 1999 and January 2019. Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) published in English, with the primary outcome focusing on hand motor function, will be included. Two reviewers will screen all retrieved titles, abstracts and full texts, perform the evaluation of the risk bias and extract all data independently. The risk of bias of the included RCTs will be evaluated by the Cochrane Collaboration's tool. A qualitative synthesis will be provided in text and table, to summarise the main results of the selected publications. A meta-analysis will be considered if there is sufficient homogeneity across outcomes. The quality of the included publications will be evaluated by the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation system from the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

No ethical approval is needed, and the results of this review will be disseminated via peer-reviewed publications and conference presentations.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

CRD42019128285.

Prevalence of unmet needs for spasticity management in care home residents in the East Midlands, United Kingdom: a cross-sectional observational study

OBJECTIVE

To establish the prevalence of unmet need for spasticity management in care home residents in two counties of the United Kingdom.

DESIGN

Cross-sectional observational study with a six-month follow-up arm for participants with identified unmet needs.

SETTING

22 care homes in Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire.

SUBJECTS

60 care home residents with upper motor neuron syndrome-related spasticity.

INTERVENTIONS

No intervention. When unmet needs around spasticity management were identified, the participant's general practitioner was advised of these in writing.

MAIN MEASURES

Resistance to Passive Movement Scale to assess spasticity; recording of (a) the presence of factors which may aggravate spasticity, (b) potential complications of spasticity, (c) spasticity-related needs and (d) current interventions to manage spasticity. Two assessors judged the presence or absence of needs for spasticity management and whether these needs were met by current care.

RESULTS

Out of 60 participants, 14 had no spasticity-related needs; 46 had spasticity-related needs; 11 had needs which were being met by current care and 35 participants had spasticity-related needs at baseline which were not being met by their current care. These were most frequently related to the risk of contracture development or problems with skin hygiene or integrity in the upper limb. In total, 6 participants had one or more pressure sores and 35 participants had one or more established joint contractures. A total of 31 participants were available for follow-up. Informing general practitioners of unmet needs resulted in no change to spasticity management in 23/31 cases.

CONCLUSION

Care home residents in this study had high levels of unmet need for spasticity management.