INTRODUCTION: The contribution of hyperreflexia to impairment after stroke is debated. Spinal motoneuron excitability in healthy subjects and stroke patients with and without spasticity was compared. METHODS: Twenty-four patients with single stroke more than 6 months ago and 18 gender-matched healthy volunteers were included. Spasticity was assessed according to the Modified Ashworth Scale. Mmax amplitude and F wave frequency in the abductor pollicis brevis muscle were measured by electrical stimulation of the median nerve. RESULTS: Mmax values were comparable between the groups. However, patients with (n=7) and without (n=17) clinically evident spasticity had a significant increase in F wave frequency when compared with healthy subjects. F wave frequency did not differ between spastic and nonspastic patients. DISCUSSION: Increase in spinal motoneuron excitability after stroke is present in stroke patients with minor or no motor deficiencies and does not necessarily lead to spasticity.
INTRODUCTION: The contribution of hyperreflexia to impairment after stroke is debated. Spinal motoneuron excitability in healthy subjects and strokepatients with and without spasticity was compared. METHODS: Twenty-four patients with single stroke more than 6 months ago and 18 gender-matched healthy volunteers were included. Spasticity was assessed according to the Modified Ashworth Scale. Mmax amplitude and F wave frequency in the abductor pollicis brevis muscle were measured by electrical stimulation of the median nerve. RESULTS: Mmax values were comparable between the groups. However, patients with (n=7) and without (n=17) clinically evident spasticity had a significant increase in F wave frequency when compared with healthy subjects. F wave frequency did not differ between spastic and nonspastic patients. DISCUSSION: Increase in spinal motoneuron excitability after stroke is present in strokepatients with minor or no motor deficiencies and does not necessarily lead to spasticity.