Prevalence of Spasticity and Postural Patterns in the Upper Extremity Post Stroke

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Rehabilitation Medicine
• Clinical Neuroscience

Background:

• Stroke frequently leads to upper extremity spasticity, characterized by abnormal postures and movement patterns.
• This spasticity significantly impairs functional arm use and reduces social participation for stroke survivors.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the prevalence of upper extremity spasticity and associated postural patterns in patients following a stroke.
• To track the changes in spasticity and postural patterns over time post-stroke.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional descriptive study with prospective follow-up involving 136 stroke patients.
• Muscle tone and postural patterns of the upper extremity were evaluated at 10 days, 3 months, and 12 months post-stroke.
• Statistical analysis included chi-squared tests for prevalence and Kappa coefficient for inter-rater reliability of muscle tone.

Main Results:

• Elbow spasticity prevalence was 37.5% at 10 days, rising to 57.4% at 3 and 12 months.
• A significant increase in elbow tone was observed between 10 days and 3 months, with levels remaining stable thereafter.
• Postural pattern III, as per Hefter's classification, was the most frequently observed pattern in the affected upper extremity.

Conclusions:

• Upper extremity spasticity prevalence escalates in the initial 3 months post-stroke and remains elevated up to 12 months.
• Nearly half of stroke patients experience spasticity onset within the first 10 days.
• Postural pattern III is the predominant pattern associated with upper extremity spasticity post-stroke.