Ankle Plantarflexor Spasticity Does Not Restrict the Recovery of Ankle Plantarflexor Strength or Ankle Power Generation for Push-Off During Walking Following Traumatic Brain Injury. Issue 4 (July 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Williams, Gavin; Banky, Megan; Olver, John
• Is Part Of: Journal of head trauma rehabilitation. Volume 31:Issue 4(2016:Jul./Aug.)
• Publication Date: 2016-07
• Subjects: ankle power generation -- brain injuries -- gait -- mobility limitation -- muscle spasticity -- muscle strength; Brain damage -- Patients -- Rehabilitation -- Periodicals; Brain damage -- Periodicals; 617.4810443
• DOI: 10.1097/HTR.0000000000000166
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0885-9701

Abstract

Abstract : Objective: The main aim of this project was to determine the impact of plantarflexor spasticity on muscle performance for ambulant people with traumatic brain injury (TBI). Setting: A large metropolitan rehabilitation hospital. Participants: Seventy-two ambulant people with TBI who were attending physiotherapy for mobility limitations. Twenty-four participants returned for a 6-month follow-up reassessment. Design: Cross-sectional cohort study. Main Measures: Self-selected walking speed, Tardieu scale, ankle plantarflexor strength, and ankle power generation (APG). Results: Participants with ankle plantarflexor spasticity had significantly lower self-selected walking speed; however, there was no significant difference in ankle plantarflexor strength or APG. Participants with ankle plantarflexor spasticity were not restricted in the recovery of self-selected walking speed, ankle plantarflexor strength, or APG, indicating equivalent ability to improve their mobility over time despite the presence of spasticity. Conclusion: Following TBI, people with ankle plantarflexor spasticity have significantly greater mobility limitations than those without spasticity, yet retain the capacity for recovery of self-selected walking speed, ankle plantarflexor strength, and APG.