Spasticity, Contractures, Artherosclerosis Flashcards
Repetition of reflex arc
Receptor signals to sensory neuron which conducts to inetrneuron in spinal cord which further conduct through motor neuron out to muscle
Explain reciprocral inhibition
Definition: inhibition of antagonised causing it to relax during motion
* Ex. during elbow flexion reciprocral inhibition of antagonist so tricep brachii
What is the Golgi tendon apparatus and explain Golgi tendon inhibition
- Golgi tendon apparatus is located in transition between muscle and tendon
- Inhibition is golgi tendon adapting to stretch and letting go instead of contract when stretching
What is spasticity?
A velocity dependent increase of muscle tone due to disturbance of sensory-motor control caused by injury of the upper motor neuron
How is spasticity presented?
- Irregular or continous involuntary activation of muscles
- Recorprical inhibition is impaired causing co-contraction resulting in no movement
- Can affect any part of the body but most common:
1. Plantar flexors - tricep surae
2. Flewors of hip - ilipsoas
3. Adductors of shoulders - pectoralis major
Which condition is usually associated with spasticity?
- CP
- MS
- Brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Tumor of CNS
Name 5 typical symptoms of spasticity
- Increased muscle tone
- Increased tendon reflexes
- Increased sensitivity of musclecutaneus reflexes: activation from tight clothes for example
- Clonus = continous spreading of reflexes by passive activation
- Clasp-knife phenomenon
How can we diagnose spasticity?
- Ashworth scale for rigidity
- Assess joint mobility
- Clonus scale
- Reflexes of extremities
What can worsening of symptoms in spasticity depend on?
- Ongoing infection
- Contractures
- Peripherial vascular disease
How is spasticity treated?
- No cure for spasticity but we treat the symptoms and consequences
- Physiotherapy to maintain ROM, prevent contractures, and increase muscle strength
- Orthotic devices enhencing stretch to prevent contractures, and standing exercising devices
- Surgery for correction of deformed limb
What is contracture?
Loss of joint mobility due to structural changes
How do contractures occur?
Shortening and hardening of soft tissie around the joint, due to a greatly restricted mobility of the joint
What are the risk factors of contractures?
- Musclotendon injury/trauma
- Aging due to loss of muscle fibers and mobility
- Burn injuries
- CP, stroke, spasticity, SCI
Common “end stage” of conditions causing immobility
Which consequences can contractures lead to?
- Difficulties with daily activities
- Pressure ulcers
- Degenerative joint disease
- Abnormal posture and gait for people with hip contractures (which can lead to further contractures below)
Which symptoms does contracture give and how can it be diagnosed?
Symptoms are:
- Pain and loss of movement in affected joint
To diagnose these symptoms are evaluated together with:
- Neuromuscular examination like passive and active ROM, and joint stability
- Imaging tests like X-rays, MRI, ultrasound
