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


METHODS
Prospective, cross-sectional, correlation matrix using sample of convenience.


METHODS
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.


CONCLUSIONS
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.
Leonard
Charles T
CT
Motor Control Research Laboratory, School of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Science, The University of Montana, Missoula, MT 59803, USA. charles.leonard@umontana.edu
Gardipee
Kelsey A
KA
Koontz
Jennifer R
JR
Anderson
John-Henry
JH
Wilkins
Scott A
SA
D000368:Aged; D002908:Chronic Disease; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D004185:Disability Evaluation; D005260:Female; D006429:Hemiplegia / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009048:Motor Skills / Q000502:physiology; D009128:Muscle Spasticity / Q000503:physiopathology; D009213:Myography; D009460:Neurologic Examination; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011597:Psychomotor Performance / Q000502:physiology*; D020521:Stroke / Q000150:complications / Q000503:physiopathology; D000071939:Stroke Rehabilitation; D013647:Task Performance and Analysis; D034941:Upper Extremity / Q000503:physiopathology