Skeletal Muscle Adaptation to Spasticity

Spasticity, a neurological problem secondary to an uppermotor neuron lesion, has a significant effect on skeletalmuscle. The upper motor neuron lesions may be secondary toa cerebral vascular accident, head injury, spinal cord injury,or degenerative diseases such as multiple sclerosis, orperinatal brain injuries such as cerebral palsy. Functionalability in these patients can be severely compromised but thebasic mechanisms underlying these deficits are not clearly understood. In this review we evaluate the current evidence inthe literature that suggests that skeletal muscle tissue itself isaltered in spastic conditions. Experimental studies wereevaluated that included a variety of methods encompassingjoint mechanics, tissue mechanics, and muscle morphology.