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Detrimental effects of spasticity include the following:
- Impaired standing resulting from the effects of clonus, hip adductor scissoring and flexor spasms.
- Extensor spasms and clonus may impair gait. • Velocity-dependent hypertonus may slow voluntary movements.
- Flexor and extensor spasms may produce skin shear and impair positioning.
- Tonic hyperreflexia or flexor spasms can increase the risk of contractures and joint subluxation.
- Spasms may impair sleep or produce pain.
- Hip flexor and adductor spasms may impair perineal hygiene.
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.