Spasticity cannot be what?

Spasticity cannot be what?

• A. Velocity-dependent increase in tone
• B. Present with UMN lesions
• C. Blocked or improved by physical therapy
• D. Blocked or improved by splints or external supports alone

Answer: (D)

Spasticity is a velocity-dependent increase in muscle tone caused by hyperexcitable stretch reflexes from an upper motor neuron (UMN) injury. It typically accompanies UMN syndromes and becomes more pronounced with faster movements, leading to resistance that rises as the limb is moved quickly. Splints or external supports help with positioning, preventing contractures, and improving alignment, but they do not address the neural overactivity that drives spasticity by themselves. Reducing spasticity often requires active interventions like physical therapy (stretching, range-of-motion exercises, movement strategies) and, when needed, pharmacologic or intramuscular treatments. Thus, spasticity cannot be blocked or improved by splints or external supports alone, even though it can be present with UMN lesions, and it can be influenced by physical therapy.

Spasticity is a velocity-dependent increase in muscle tone caused by hyperexcitable stretch reflexes from an upper motor neuron (UMN) injury. It typically accompanies UMN syndromes and becomes more pronounced with faster movements, leading to resistance that rises as the limb is moved quickly.

Splints or external supports help with positioning, preventing contractures, and improving alignment, but they do not address the neural overactivity that drives spasticity by themselves. Reducing spasticity often requires active interventions like physical therapy (stretching, range-of-motion exercises, movement strategies) and, when needed, pharmacologic or intramuscular treatments.

Thus, spasticity cannot be blocked or improved by splints or external supports alone, even though it can be present with UMN lesions, and it can be influenced by physical therapy.