Chronic transformation of muscle in spasticity: a peripheral contribution to increased tone.
Mechanical properties of relaxed lower leg muscles were assessed by torque measurements during imposed constant velocity dorsiflexion-plantarflexion cycles. At low angular velocities, they exhibited an elastic and an energy-consuming, velocity-independent (plastic) resistance. In most patients with long-standing spasticity, both of these were enhanced. The results support the hypothesis of secondary structural changes of muscles in spasticity.
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D004576:Electromyography; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009119:Muscle Contraction; D009128:Muscle Spasticity / Q000503:physiopathology*; D009129:Muscle Tonus; D009132:Muscles / Q000503:physiopathology; D012026:Reflex, Stretch