Effects of Limbs’ Spasticity on Spinopelvic Alignment in Post-Stroke Patients: A Cross-Sectional Study

TL;DR

This study finds that spasticity and motor impairment in post-stroke patients are linked to spinal misalignment, suggesting targeted therapies could help.

Contribution

The study establishes novel associations between limb spasticity, motor impairment, and spinopelvic alignment in chronic post-stroke patients.

Findings

UL-MAS correlated with trunk rotation angle (ATR) in post-stroke patients.

5T-STS and FAST-UL showed significant correlations with frontal plane spinal alignment measures.

Spinal misalignment was associated with both strength impairment and upper limb spasticity.

Abstract

Objectives: This study aimed to determine the impacts of upper and lower limb (UL and LL) spasticity and impairment on spinal alignment in chronic post-stroke patients. Methods: A total of 45 consecutive chronic post-stroke patients, 18 women and 27 men, from 18 to 70 years old who presented post-stroke hemiparesis were recruited in this cross-sectional study. The clinical assessment included the Modified Ashworth Scale (UL-MAS and LL-MAS spasticity), Upper Limb Motricity Index (UL-MI), FAST-UL, and Five Times Sit-to-Stand Test (5T-STS); the Associated Reaction Rating Scale was used to measure associated reactions in the hemiparetic UL, the plumb line distance from the spinous process of C7 on the sagittal (PL-C7s) and frontal plane (Pl-C7f), the kyphosis apex (PL-AK), and the spinous process of L3 (PL-L3). Angular measures of spinal alignment were measured by a Bunnell scoliometer™ (angle of trunk rotation—ATR) and a gravity-dependent inclinometer (inclination at C7-T1 and T12-L1). Results: In chronic post-stroke patients, there was found to be an association between the 5T-STS and PL-C7f (β = 0.41, p = 0.05) and the angle of inclination at T12-L1 (β = 0.44, p = 0.01). The FAST-UL correlated with PL-C7f (β = −0.41, p = 0.05), while the UL-MI correlated with this last parameter (β = −0.36, p = 0.04) and the ATR (β = −0.31, p = 0.05). The UL-MAS showed correlation with the ATR (β = 0.38, p = 0.01). Conclusions: The results lead to the possibility that, in chronic post-stroke patients, spinal misalignment on the frontal and sagittal plane is associated both with strength impairment and UL spasticity. The improvement or restoration of spinopelvic parameters can take advantage of therapeutic interventions targeted at motor improvement and spasticity reduction of the hemiparetic side.

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