Relationships among Three Clinical Measures of Muscle Tone at the Elbows of Individuals after a Stroke

Abstract

French

Patterns of associations among three common clinical muscle tone measures were investigated to determine their degree, and patterns of agreement. Data contributing to selection of clinical measures of muscle tone and understanding factors contributing to occupational dysfunctions were also sought.

Forty five persons who were admitted after stroke to two occupational therapy rehabilitation programs were randomly selected. Their affected elbow's resting position (EJP), resistance to passive extension (ERM) and the angle where resistance first appeared (EAR) were measured by one, then a second therapist who also measured voluntary muscle function. Correlations among the three measures were calculated for both administrations and among patient subgroups with statistical correction for multiple correlations.

Statistically significant associations appeared between ERM and EAR and between EJP and EAR. Highest statistically significant associations appeared among subjects with poor upper extremity function and those with low muscle tone. Patterns of associations were similar for the first and second administrations at both centres, though patterns among subgroups differed between centres.

Correlation patterns suggest that biomechanical factors may influence the joint's resting position (EJP) more than ERM and EAR. Measures may be used interchangeably only with selected patient subgroups, which should also be the basis of method selection.

Keywords

Cerebrovascular disorders Evaluation studies Muscle tonus

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