Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 9, 2026

Isokinetic Robotic Device to Improve Test-Retest and Inter-Rater Reliability for Stretch Reflex Measurements in Stroke Patients with Spasticity
Published on: June 12, 2019
Spasticity after stroke: physiology, assessment and treatment
Aurore Thibaut1, Camille Chatelle, Erik Ziegler
1Coma Science Group, Cyclotron Research Centre, University and University Hospital of Liège, Liège, Belgium. athibaut@ulg.ac.be
Background:
Spasticity following a stroke occurs in about 30% of patients. The mechanisms underlying this disorder, however, are not well understood.
Method:
This review aims to define spasticity, describe hypotheses explaining its development after a stroke, give an overview of related neuroimaging studies as well as a description of the most common scales used to quantify the degree of spasticity and finally explore which treatments are currently being used to treat this disorder.
Results:
The lack of consensus is highlighted on the basis of spasticity and the associated absence of guidelines for treatment, use of drugs and rehabilitation programmes.
Conclusions:
Future studies require controlled protocols to determine the efficiency of pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatments for spasticity. Neuroimaging may help predict the occurrence of spasticity and could provide insight into its neurological basis.
Related Concept Videos
Alterations in Muscle Tone ll
Alterations in Muscle Tone lll
Spinal Cord Injury ll: Pathophysiology
Secondary Spinal Cord Injury llI: Pathophysiology

