Rehabilitation Techniques to Maximize Spasticity Management

Abstract

Improvement in functional skills is typically a goal of spasticity management. Spasticity management alone will improve the positive signs of the upper motor neuron syndrome without functional change. In this review, we demonstrate that a variety of therapy modalities are required to facilitate these improvements and impact the negative signs of the upper motor neuron syndrome. The evidence for neuromuscular electrical stimulation, surface electromyography training, serial casting, body weight–supported treadmill training, constraint-induced movement therapy, strengthening, and endurance training is reviewed as it relates to spasticity management.

Keywords:

• botulinum toxin
• evidence-based medicine
• modalities
• physical therapy
• stroke
• upper motor neuron syndrome