Neuromuscular model for the stretch reflex in passive movement of spastic elbow joint

The purpose was to examine the differences in kinesthetic ability, at the elbow joint, between children with (n = 15) and without (n = 15) spastic hemiplegia. The Kin Com 125 AP isokinetic dynamometer Configuration Chattanooga was used. Results revealed significant (p < .05) interaction between participant groups and side which was a repeated measures factor (nonaffected side for CP group and dominant side for nonCP group vs. affected side for CP and nondominant side for nonCP group) with respect to the passive reproduction of movement (PRM) and detection of passive movement (DPM). The interaction was attributed to the kinesthetic deficits of the hemiplegic participants compared to the control group. A significant relationship was found between the level of spasticity and PRM scores.

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Effect of Stretching of Spastic Elbow Under Intelligent Control in Chronic Stroke Survivors—A Pilot Study

Frontiers in Neurology ◽

10.3389/fneur.2021.742260 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 12 ◽

Author(s):

Sanjana Rao ◽

Meizhen Huang ◽

Sun Gun Chung ◽

Li-Qun Zhang

Keyword(s):

Elbow Joint ◽

Sagittal Plane ◽

Biceps Tendon ◽

Joint Stiffness ◽

Elbow Flexion ◽

Passive Movement ◽

Chronic Stroke ◽

Stroke Survivors ◽

Short Term ◽

Post Stroke

Objective: To assess the short-term effects of strenuous dynamic stretching of the elbow joint using an intelligent stretching device in chronic spastic stroke survivors.Methods: The intelligent stretching device was utilized to provide a single session of intensive stretching to the spastic elbow joint in the sagittal plane (i.e., elbow flexion and extension). The stretching was provided to the extreme range, safely, with control of the stretching velocity and torque to increase the joint range of motion (ROM) and reduce spasticity and joint stiffness. Eight chronic stroke survivors (age: 52.6 ± 8.2 years, post-stroke duration: 9.5 ± 3.6 years) completed a single 40-min stretching intervention session. Elbow passive and active ROM, strength, passive stiffness (quantifying the non-reflex component of spasticity), and instrumented tendon reflex test of the biceps tendon (quantifying the reflex component of the spasticity) were measured before and after stretching.Results: After stretching, there was a significant increase in passive ROM of elbow flexion (p = 0.021, r = 0.59) and extension (p = 0.026, r = 0.59). Also, elbow active ROM and the spastic elbow flexors showed a trend of increase in their strength.Conclusion: The intelligent stretching had a short-term positive influence on the passive movement ROM. Hence, intelligent stretching can potentially be used to repeatedly and regularly stretch spastic elbow joints, which subsequently helps to reduce upper limb impairments post-stroke.

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Stretch reflex responses in the human elbow joint during a voluntary movement.

The Journal of Physiology ◽

10.1113/jphysiol.1994.sp020026 ◽

1994 ◽

Vol 474 (2) ◽

pp. 339-351 ◽

Cited By ~ 38

Author(s):

D J Bennett

Keyword(s):

Elbow Joint ◽

Stretch Reflex ◽

Voluntary Movement ◽

Reflex Responses

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The Sensibility to Passive Movement of the Human Elbow Joint

Quarterly Journal of Experimental Psychology ◽

10.1080/17470215208416605 ◽

1952 ◽

Vol 4 (2) ◽

pp. 66-77 ◽

Cited By ~ 18

Author(s):

T. E. Cleghorn ◽

H. D. Darcus

Keyword(s):

Elbow Joint ◽

Human Subjects ◽

Passive Movement ◽

Correct Detection ◽

Minimal Amount ◽

Correct Identification ◽

All Speeds ◽

Passive Movements

The literature on the perception of passive movement is reviewed. A description is given, of an apparatus whereby passive movements may be produced at the human elbow joint with the minimal amount of interference with sensation from extraneous factors. Tested with this apparatus, four human subjects experienced in varying degree false sensations of movement when the arm was at rest. They differed from each other in the direction which they tended to ascribe to the sensations, three of them being strongly influenced by the direction of the preceding movement. Both the perception of movement and identification of its direction were more efficient in extension than in flexion and at larger than at smaller displacements. The duration of movement was an important factor. Tentative estimates of the threshold are: 0·8° for 80 per cent, correct detection of movement and 1·8° for 80 per cent, correct identification of direction at all speeds in the range, 0.10·0.25°/sec.

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The Use of Casts in the Management of Joint Mobility and Hypertonia Following Brain Injury in Adults: A Systematic Review

Physical Therapy ◽

10.1093/ptj/83.7.648 ◽

2003 ◽

Vol 83 (7) ◽

pp. 648-658 ◽

Cited By ~ 51

Author(s):

Patricia A Mortenson ◽

Janice J Eng

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Brain Injury ◽

Stretch Reflex ◽

Best Practice ◽

Passive Movement ◽

Supporting Evidence ◽

Joint Mobility ◽

Connective Tissues ◽

Scientific Rigor ◽

Joint Resistance

Abstract Many controversies exist regarding the practicality, the theoretical premises, and the supporting evidence for the use of casts in the management of joint hypomobility and hypertonia (ie, increase in joint resistance to passive movement resulting from hyperactivity of the stretch reflex and/or changes in the muscles and connective tissues). The purpose of this review was to determine current best practice for the use of casting in the rehabilitation of adults with brain injury. A systematic review was undertaken to find studies that quantified the effectiveness of casting in adults with brain injury. Thirteen articles that presented experimental or case report evidence on casting were analyzed using Sackett's levels of evidence and were examined for scientific rigor. A grade B recommendation is given for the use of casting to increase passive range of motion or to prevent its loss, and implications for further research are provided.

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