title: Arm motor control as predictor for hypertonia after stroke: a prospective cohort study.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To analyze the development of hypertonia in the hemiparetic elbow flexors, and to explore the predictive value of arm motor control on hypertonia in a cohort of first-ever stroke survivors in the first 6 months poststroke.
  
  
  METHODS
  A prospective cohort study.
  
  
  METHODS
  A cohort of stroke survivors from a large, university-affilliated hospital in The Netherlands.
  
  
  METHODS
  Patients (N=50) with first-time ischemic strokes and initial arm paralysis who were admitted to a stroke unit.
  
  
  METHODS
  Not applicable.
  
  
  METHODS
  At 48 hours, 10 to 12 days, 3 and 6 months poststroke, hypertonia and arm motor control were assessed using the Modified Ashworth Scale and the Fugl-Meyer Assessment arm score.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The incidence rate of hypertonia reached its maximum before the third month poststroke (30%). Prevalence was 42% at 3 and 6 months. Participants with poor arm motor control at 48 hours poststroke were 13 times more likely to develop hypertonia in the first 6 months poststroke than those with moderate to good arm motor control. These results were not confounded by the amount of arm function training received.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Hypertonia develops in a large proportion of patients with stroke, predominantly within the first 3 months poststroke. Poor arm motor control is a risk factor for the development of hypertonia.
authors: De Vogellanden, Center for Rehabilitation, Zwolle, The Netherlands. l.de.jong@vogellanden.nl
authors: Lex D
authors: LD
authors: de Jong
authors: Maurits H
authors: MH
authors: Hoonhorst
authors: Ilse
authors: I
authors: Stuive
authors: Pieter U
authors: PU
authors: Dijkstra
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001132:Arm / Q000503:physiopathology*; D005260:Female; D006785:Hospitals, University; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009043:Motor Activity; D009122:Muscle Hypertonia / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology; D010243:Paralysis / Q000150:complications; D026741:Physical Therapy Modalities; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D015995:Prevalence; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012307:Risk Factors; D020521:Stroke / Q000150:complications / Q000503:physiopathology; D000071939:Stroke Rehabilitation