Spasticity, or greater muscle resistance, is a major disabling condition following stroke. Recovery of lost motor function in patients with stroke may be affected by spasticity, which most commonly develops in elbow and ankle muscles. However, despite its clinical relevance, the natural development of spasticity over the first 3 months after stroke is not clearly understood. Indeed, common clinical measures of spasticity such as the Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS) do not take into account the neurophysiological origin of spasticity and lack reliability and objectivity. The objective of this study is to examine the natural history of the development of spasticity among patients with stroke over the first 3 months using a new neurophysiological measure (TSRT, the tonic stretch reflex threshold angle) and its velocity sensitivity (mu) in comparison to MAS and other common clinical tests. In addition, detailed brain imaging will be used to understand the relationship between damage to brain regions relevant to the development of spasticity and TSRT/mu values. It is hypothesized that 1) TSRT/mu will indicate the presence of spasticity earlier than MAS/clinical tests; 2) TSRT/mu measures will be more closely related to motor impairments and activity limitations than MAS; 3) the lesion severity (identified by imaging) will be related to the change in TSRT/mu values. Outcomes will be measured in a pilot cohort of 12 patients hospitalized for first-ever stroke. Measurements will be taken at the bedside within the 1st week of the patient's admission and will be done once per week for 12 weeks with a follow-up at week 16. Brain Imaging will be done around the 6th week post-stroke.
Age range
18 Years – 85 Years
Sex
ALL
See this in plain English?
AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.
Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.
Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.
The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.
TSRT
Timeframe: up to 16 weeks
Mu
Timeframe: up to 16 weeks
Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS)
Timeframe: up to 16 weeks
Reflexes
Timeframe: up to 16 weeks