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Published on: May 2, 2021
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Assessing and quantifying the interactions between spasticity, proprioception, and motor function of the upper limb
Jasmine Usher1,2, Jacqui Morris3, Alejandra Aranceta-Garza1,2
1Biomedical Engineering, School of Science and Engineering, University of Dundee, UK.
Journal of Rehabilitation and Assistive Technologies Engineering
|September 22, 2025
Summary
This systematic review found that while spasticity increases after stroke, motor function and proprioception improve over time. Moderate correlations suggest targeting proprioception for better upper limb rehabilitation outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Neurorehabilitation
- Movement Science
- Clinical Neurology
Background:
- Stroke frequently results in upper limb impairments, including spasticity, reduced proprioception, and decreased motor function.
- Understanding the interrelationships between these factors is crucial for effective post-stroke recovery and rehabilitation strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review and meta-analyze existing literature on the relationships between spasticity, proprioception, and upper limb motor function following stroke.
- To quantify the strength and direction of these relationships over time and at specific time points.
Main Methods:
- A systematic literature search was performed across Scopus, PubMed, and Web of Science databases.
- Studies assessing at least two of the following post-stroke upper limb variables were included: spasticity, proprioception, or motor function.
- Random-effects meta-analyses were utilized to examine temporal changes and correlational strengths between the variables.
Main Results:
- Fifty-two studies met the inclusion criteria.
- Results indicated an increase in spasticity (OR = 0.5, p = 0.0475) and decreases in proprioception (OR = 3.15, p < 0.0001) and motor function (OR = 3.21, p < 0.0001) over time.
- Moderate correlations were observed between spasticity and motor function (r = 0.55, p < 0.0001), and between proprioception and motor function (r = 0.45, p < 0.0001). A weaker correlation was found between spasticity and proprioception (r = 0.33, p = 0.0283).
Conclusions:
- Despite evidence heterogeneity, significant relationships between spasticity, proprioception, and motor function post-stroke were identified.
- The moderate correlations highlight the interconnectedness of these impairments.
- Proprioception emerges as a key target for personalized rehabilitation interventions aimed at improving upper limb function after stroke.
