Prevalence and factors influencing the occurrence of spasticity in stroke patients: a retrospective study

ABSTRACT

Background

To describe the prevalence and clinical characteristics of stroke patients without spasticity, and simultaneously analyse the factors related to post-stroke non-spasticity.

Methods

In this retrospective study, information on patients hospitalized in the department of rehabilitation, Daping Hospital, over the past eight years was collected. Demographic information and clinical characteristics were statistically analysed.

Results

A total of 819 stroke patients with an average age of 61.66±13.72 years old were analysed, including 561 males (68.5%), and 258 females (31.5%). In this study, 201 (24.5%) patients developed spasticity, and 618 (75.5%) patients had no spasticity. Patients without spasticity were older than those with spasticity. Patients with ischemic stroke and mild functional impairment were also less likely to have spasticity. Post-stroke spasticity may be related to age [odd ratio (OR): 0.982; 95% CI:0.965 to 0.999; P = 0.042), hemorrhagic stroke (OR: 1.643; 95% CI: 1.029 to 2.626; P = 0.038), National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) Scores (OR: 1.132; 95% CI: 1.063 to 1.204; P = 0.000].

Conclusion

Most stroke patients do not have spasticity, especially the elderly, patients with ischemic stroke, and those with mild functional impairment, suggesting that not all upper motor nerve injuries lead to increased muscle tension. For young individuals, patients with hemorrhagic stroke, and those with moderate to severe functional impairment, close follow-up is necessary to identify the occurrence of spasticity early on and then formulate corresponding rehabilitation strategies for prompt intervention.

KEYWORDS:

• Stroke
• spasticity
• prevalence
• influence factors

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

The author(s) reported there is no funding associated with the work featured in this article.

Notes on contributors

Huan Cheng

Female, Master, Physician

Xiangqin Fang

Female, Master, Associate Chief Physician

Lingyi Liao

Female, Master, Rehabilitation Therapist

Yong Tao

Male, Master, Attending Physician

Changyue Gao

Male, Doctor, AssociateChief Physician