15-158 

Beneficial effects include the following:

  • Extensor tone may help the patient to stand.
  • Hyperactive stretch reflexes may provide strength in isometric and eccentric voluntary contractions.
  • Spasticity may help maintain muscle mass and prevent bone demineralization resulting from a lack of weightbearing and disuse.
  • By acting as a muscle pump, spasticity may decrease dependent edema and reduce the risk of DVT. 

Little JW, Massagli TL. Spasticity and associated abnormalities of muscle tone. In: DeLisa JA, Gans BM, (eds). Rehabilitation Medicine, 3rd ed. Philadelphia, PA. Lippincott-Raven, 1998 

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