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Related Experiment Videos

Dynamic electromyography to assess elbow spasticity.

M A Keenan1, T T Haider, L R Stone

  • 1Adult Brain Injury Service, Rancho Los Amigos Medical Center, Downey, Calif.

The Journal of Hand Surgery
|July 1, 1990
PubMed
Summary

Traumatic brain injury spasticity impairs elbow extension, particularly in the brachioradialis and biceps muscles. Surgical lengthening and release procedures can improve elbow motion and hand function.

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Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Biomechanics
  • Rehabilitation Medicine

Background:

  • Spasticity following traumatic brain injury (TBI) significantly impacts motor control.
  • Elbow motion deficits are common, affecting daily activities and hand placement.

Observation:

  • Dynamic electromyography (EMG) and goniometry assessed elbow motion in 45 TBI patients.
  • Patients exhibited limited elbow extension (mean 20°) and prolonged extension time (4.0s).
  • Severe spasticity was observed in the brachioradialis, moderate in the biceps, and mild in the brachialis.

Findings:

  • Elbow flexor spasticity, especially in the brachioradialis and biceps, was the primary cause of limited smooth elbow extension.
  • Active elbow flexion was preserved, but extension was consistently impaired.
  • Triceps muscle activity remained normal, indicating isolated flexor spasticity.

Implications:

  • Understanding specific muscle involvement in TBI-related elbow spasticity is crucial for targeted interventions.
  • Surgical lengthening of biceps and brachialis tendons, along with brachioradialis release, shows potential for enhancing elbow motion.
  • Improved elbow control and hand placement can significantly enhance functional independence in TBI survivors.

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