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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 12, 2026

Repeated Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Combined with Action Observation Training in Children with Spastic Cerebral Palsy

Repeated Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Combined with Action Observation Training in Children with Spastic Cerebral Palsy

Published on: August 9, 2024

Redefining Spasticity: The Spasticity X Working Group Consensus Statement.

Gerard Francisco^1,2, Anand Pandyan³, Sheng Li^1,2

¹Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PM&R), McGovern Medical School, University of Texas Health Science Center-Houston (UTHealth), Houston, TX, USA.

American Journal of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation

|July 9, 2026

Summary

A new consensus definition for spasticity was developed by experts to improve clinical understanding and management. This definition clarifies spasticity as disordered sensorimotor control involving involuntary muscle overactivity during passive stretch.

Keywords:

Central Nervous System Definition Modified Delphi Nosology Spastic paresis Spasticity Stroke

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Published on: June 12, 2019

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Last Updated: Jul 12, 2026

Repeated Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Combined with Action Observation Training in Children with Spastic Cerebral Palsy

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Isokinetic Robotic Device to Improve Test-Retest and Inter-Rater Reliability for Stretch Reflex Measurements in Stroke Patients with Spasticity

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

Area of Science:

Neurology
Rehabilitation Medicine
Clinical Neuroscience

Background:

Existing definitions of spasticity are inconsistent and variably interpreted.
Evolving mechanistic understanding necessitates a clinically relevant consensus definition.
Current definitions lack sufficient clinical practice relevance.

Purpose of the Study:

To develop a concise and clinically applicable consensus definition of spasticity.
To reflect current understanding and support consistent assessment and management of spasticity.
To improve conceptual clarity and facilitate communication regarding spasticity.

Main Methods:

International expert panel utilizing a modified Delphi process.
Review of existing definitions and pre-meeting surveys.
Iterative refinement of draft definitions through successive rounds of voting to achieve consensus.

Main Results:

Key components identified: disordered sensorimotor control, central nervous system involvement, velocity- and length-dependent resistance to passive stretch.
Consensus definition: "A disorder of sensorimotor control resulting from upper motor neuron disease. It is characterized by velocity- and length-dependent involuntary muscle overactivity, which is intermittent or sustained, during passive stretch."
The new definition integrates contemporary mechanistic concepts with clinical applicability.

Conclusions:

The developed consensus definition enhances conceptual clarity for spasticity.
Improved clarity is intended to promote consistency in diagnosis, measurement, and treatment of spasticity.
This definition supports better communication among healthcare professionals and researchers.