Paralysis Research Today is a free monthly online journal that collates and summarizes the latest research about Paralysis, including details on treatment, diagnosis, facial paralysis, sleep paralysis.

Correlation between impairment and motor performance during reaching tasks in subjects with spastic hemiparesis.

Leonard CT, Gardipee KA, Koontz JR, Anderson JH, Wilkins SA

Motor Control Research Laboratory, School of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Science, The University of Montana, Missoula, MT 59803, USA. charles.leonard@umontana.edu

OBJECTIVE: The main purposes of this study were to examine, in subjects with chronic hemiparesis following a stroke: (i) the correlations between tests of muscle tone, stiffness, spasticity, paresis and co-contraction, and (ii) the correlations of these tests and measurements of impairment to upper extremity motor performance. DESIGN: Prospective, cross-sectional, correlation matrix using sample of convenience. SUBJECTS: Thirteen subjects with chronic hemiparesis secondary to a cerebrovascular accident (stroke) were tested. METHODS: Subjects were assessed using the Fugl-Meyer Upper Extremity Motor Assessment, modified Ashworth scale, deep tendon reflexes, and muscle characteristics that included quantification of muscle stiffness, paresis and co-contraction during a voluntary reaching task and during passive movements. Surface electromyographic and myotonometric muscle stiffness data were obtained during movement trials. RESULTS: Biceps and triceps brachii muscle paresis and excess biceps brachii co-contraction during voluntary reaching had the highest correlations to decreased motor performance. Muscle tone measurements did not have significant correlations to upper extremity performance. CONCLUSION: Paresis of elbow flexors and extensors and excess co-contraction of the biceps brachii during voluntary reaching appear to be most predictive of upper extremity motor performance. Results are discussed in relation to the specific challenges these findings pose for spastic paresis clinical management.

Published 27 June 2006 in J Rehabil Med, 38(4): 243-9.
Full-text of this article is available online (may require subscription).

© 2004-2008 Paralysis Research Today. All Rights Reserved.