Sheila M Schindler-Ivens1, Richard K Shields. 1. Graduate Program in Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Science, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA. s-schindler-ivens@northwestern.edu
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To determine whether spasticity in persons with spinal cord injury (SCI) is associated with elevated monosynaptic reflex excitability. DESIGN: One-way experimental. SETTING: Research laboratory. PARTICIPANTS: Convenience sample of 9 subjects (8 men, 1 woman) with chronic and complete SCI and 20 persons (14 men, 6 women) with no neurologic impairment. Subjects with SCI exhibited lower-extremity spasticity as indicated by velocity-dependent increased resistance to passive muscle stretch, abnormally brisk deep tendon reflexes, involuntary lower-extremity flexion and/or extension spasms, and clonus. INTERVENTION: Soleus H-reflex recruitment curves were elicited in all subjects. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Soleus H-reflex threshold (HTH), gain (HGN), and amplitude (HPP). RESULTS: There was no difference between subjects with and without SCI in HTH, HGN, or HPP. CONCLUSIONS: Spasticity in people with chronic and complete SCI was not associated with increased excitability of the connections between Ia afferent projections and motoneurons. Factors extrinsic to these connections may have a role in spasticity caused by SCI.
OBJECTIVE: To determine whether spasticity in persons with spinal cord injury (SCI) is associated with elevated monosynaptic reflex excitability. DESIGN: One-way experimental. SETTING: Research laboratory. PARTICIPANTS: Convenience sample of 9 subjects (8 men, 1 woman) with chronic and complete SCI and 20 persons (14 men, 6 women) with no neurologic impairment. Subjects with SCI exhibited lower-extremity spasticity as indicated by velocity-dependent increased resistance to passive muscle stretch, abnormally brisk deep tendon reflexes, involuntary lower-extremity flexion and/or extension spasms, and clonus. INTERVENTION: Soleus H-reflex recruitment curves were elicited in all subjects. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Soleus H-reflex threshold (HTH), gain (HGN), and amplitude (HPP). RESULTS: There was no difference between subjects with and without SCI in HTH, HGN, or HPP. CONCLUSIONS:Spasticity in people with chronic and complete SCI was not associated with increased excitability of the connections between Ia afferent projections and motoneurons. Factors extrinsic to these connections may have a role in spasticity caused by SCI.
Authors: Shuo-Hsiu Chang; Shih-Chiao Tseng; Colleen L McHenry; Andrew E Littmann; Manish Suneja; Richard K Shields Journal: Clin Neurophysiol Date: 2011-10-01 Impact factor: 3.708