Does spasticity contribute to walking dysfunction after stroke?

Abstract

Whereas most of the stroke patients exhibited spasticity when measured both clinically and physiologically, they did not exhibit an increase in resistance to dorsiflexion due to exaggerated action tonic stretch reflexes. It is concluded that it is unlikely that spasticity causes problems in walking after stroke in ambulant patients. Therefore, it seems inappropriate to routinely reduce or inhibit the reflex response to improve functional movement in stroke rehabilitation. Factors other than spasticity should be considered when analysing walking after stroke, so that appropriate treatment is provided to patients.