| Article ID | Journal | Published Year | Pages | File Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3044299 | Clinical Neurophysiology | 2011 | 7 Pages |
ObjectiveSpasticity is common after spinal cord injury (SCI). Exaggerated tendon jerks, clonus, and spasms are key features of spasticity that result from hyperexcitability of the stretch reflex circuit. Here we studied the effects of vibration on the rectus femoris muscle (RF) on clinical and electrophysiological measures of spasticity in the leg.MethodsNineteen SCI patients with spasticity and nine healthy subjects were studied at baseline and under stimulation (vibration at 50 Hz during 10 min on the thigh). Neurophysiological studies included evaluation of the soleus T wave and Hmax/Mmax ratio. Clinical measurements of spasticity were the score in the Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS), range of motion (ROM), and duration and frequency of clonus.ResultsPatients with incomplete SCI (iSCI) presented higher number of cycles and longer duration of clonus than patients with complete SCI (cSCI). The Hmax/Mmax ratio and T wave amplitude at baseline were significantly larger in iSCI patients than in cSCI or healthy subjects. During vibration, we found a significant reduction of MAS and duration of clonus, and an increase in ROM, in all patients as a group. The Hmax/Mmax ratio and the T wave amplitude decreased significantly in both, patients and controls.ConclusionsProlonged vibration on proximal lower extremity muscles decreased limb spasticity in patients with spinal cord injury, regardless of whether the lesion is complete or incomplete.SignificanceMuscle vibration may be useful for physical therapy, by facilitating passive and active movements of the extremities in spastic SCI patients.
► Vibratory stimuli of 50 Hz over the rectus femoris induced a significant decrease in clinical and neurophysiological measures of spasticity in SCI patients. ► Measures of spasticity reveal significant different temporal evolution for complete and incomplete SCI. ► Vibration might be a useful coadjuvant tool in the rehabilitation of spasticity in SCI patients.
