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Does hemiparetic dorsiflexion in swing phase depend on spasticity?
Maria Vinti1, Mathias Blandeau2, Hélène Pillet3
1Univ. Limoges, HAVAE, UR 20217, F-87000 Limoges, France.
Summary
Plantar flexor cocontraction, not spasticity, limits dorsiflexion in hemiparesis. Targeting this cocontraction is key for improving gait rehabilitation and active dorsiflexion in patients.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Biomechanics
- Rehabilitation Science
Background:
- Hemiparesis often results in impaired gait, characterized by limited dorsiflexion.
- Spasticity and muscle cocontractions are implicated in limiting joint mobility during locomotion.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify spasticity and muscle recruitment during gait swing phase in hemiparetic individuals.
- To investigate the roles of spastic cocontraction versus spasticity in limiting dorsiflexion (DF).
Main Methods:
- Kinematic and electromyographic (EMG) analysis of dorsiflexor and plantar flexor muscles during gait in hemiparetic subjects (with and without prior tibial neurotomy) and controls.
- Assessment of spasticity using the Tardieu scale.
Main Results:
- Hemiparetic subjects exhibited reduced ankle dorsiflexion despite increased tibialis anterior recruitment.
- Increased plantar flexor cocontraction was observed prior to dorsiflexion, even in patients without spasticity post-neurotomy.
Conclusions:
- Persistent plantar flexor cocontraction, independent of spasticity, limits dorsiflexion during the swing phase of gait.
- Targeting spastic cocontraction, rather than spasticity alone, is crucial for improving active dorsiflexion and gait rehabilitation in hemiparetic patients.
