EFFECTS OF POST-STROKE SPASTICITY ON VOLUNTARY MOVEMENTS OF UPPER EXTREMITY

BACKGROUND: In individuals with ischemic and hemorrhagic strokes, involuntary movements have been documented to appear after 1-4% of strokes. Spasticity is the term used to indicate uncontrollable muscular hyperactivity when there is central paresis.

STUDY PURPOSE: The purpose of our study was to evaluate the effects of post-stroke spasticity on voluntary movements of the upper extremity in stroke patients

METHODS: An observational cross-sectional study that uses a non-probability sampling technique has been utilized. A sample size of 85 patients who suffered from haemorrhagic or ischemic stroke was recruited. The data was obtained through the Modified Ashworth scale looking for spasticity development, and the Fugl Meyer scale in 6 months.

RESULTS:  Among haemorrhagic and ischemic stroke patients, spasticity levels were assessed using the Modified Ashworth scale, focusing on shoulder, elbow, and wrist flexors. Wrist flexors exhibited the highest spasticity prevalence at 16.5%, surpassing the 2.4% prevalence in shoulder and elbow flexors. This spasticity had a notable impact on upper limb voluntary movements, with 9 patients experiencing severe impairment. Specifically, 2 patients had impaired shoulder movements, 2 had impaired elbow movements, and 5 had impaired wrist movements. The Fugl Meyer assessment scale confirmed the impact of spasticity on motor function in the upper limb, in the majority of patients shoulder flexors are mildly affected, same as the elbow while wrist flexors are mildly affected in 18 patients and 14 are severely affected. These findings underscore the importance of addressing spasticity in stroke rehabilitation to improve voluntary movements.

CONCLUSION:

This study investigated how post-stroke spasticity affects voluntary upper limb movements. Wrist flexors exhibited the highest spasticity prevalence at 16.5%, while shoulder and elbow flexors were affected in 2.4% of cases. The assessment using the Fugl Meyer scale highlighted mild motor function issues associated with spasticity in the shoulder (25 patients), elbow (27 patients), and wrist flexors (18 patients). These findings underscore the importance of addressing spasticity in stroke rehabilitation and enhancing voluntary movements for affected individuals.