Stroke Training and Awareness Resources (STARs)


What is spasticity or increased muscle tone?

“Spasticity is a motor disorder characterised by a velocity-dependent increase in tonic stretch reflexes (muscle tone) with exaggerated tendon reflexes, resulting from hyper-excitability of the stretch reflex, as one component of the upper motor neurone syndrome”
Lance J. Spasticity: disorders motor control. In: Feldman RG, Young RP, Koella WP editors. Symposium synopsis. Miami, FL: Year Book Medical Publishers; 1980.

Lance’s definition does not include other features of the upper motor neurone syndrome such as spasm and clonus.

Alternative definition:

“Disordered sensorimotor control, resulting from an upper motor neurone lesion, presenting as intermittent or sustained involuntary activation of muscles”
Pandyan AD, Gregoric M, Barnes MP, Wood D, Van Wijck F, Burridge J, Hermens H, Johnson GR. 2005. Spasticity: clinical perceptions, neurological realities and meaningful measurement. Disabil Rehabil, vol. 27(1-2), 2-6

“In spasticity an enhanced and prolonged response to muscle stretch is seen at rest” – hyperexcitable – with a decrease in inhibitory spinal cord control
Stevenson VL, Spasticity Management, Clinical Rehabilitation 24: 293-304, 2010

Page last reviewed: 04 May 2020