Morphological Characteristics of the Upper and Lower Extremities Using Ultrasound Examination After Stroke.

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Introduction A large number of stroke patients develop spasticity in the upper and lower extremities, which is one of the clinical signs of damage to motor neuron 1, causing abnormal postures and movement patterns due to motor neuron hyperexcitability and rheological alterations in the affected muscles. These alterations limit the use of the arm and leg, restricting their use in functional activities and affecting the quality of life and social participation of users. In recent years, the Heckmann scale has been used to evaluate spastic muscle alterations by ultrasound; however, evidence is limited regarding its benefits as an assessment tool for spastic hypertonia. Objective To describe the morphological characteristics of spastic muscles in the lower extremities using ultrasound examination in subjects after stroke. Method A prospective, multicenter descriptive study will be conducted. The sample will be non-probabilistic, consisting of 80 subjects who meet the eligibility criteria and provide informed consent. Analysis of results Using the SPSS 27 program, a descriptive analysis will be performed using statistical indices of central tendency, dispersion, and distribution according to the measurement scale of each variable. The normality of the distribution of continuous variables will be investigated. In addition, a bivariate correlation analysis (ANOVA) will be performed. The significance level will be 0.05. Expected Results It will provide updated evidence in the field of assessing the state of spastic muscles in subjects with neurological damage, a situation that will guide the therapeutic process and may improve the patient's prognosis and quality of life.

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