Does spastic myopathy determine active movement and ambulation speed in chronic spastic paresis?-A cross-sectional study on plantar flexors.

Background: Functional correlates of spastic myopathy, the muscle disorder of spastic paresis, are unknown.

Objective: To explore reciprocal relationships between clinical and structural parameters of plantar flexors with i) ambulation speed, ii) dorsiflexion and plantarflexion torques in chronic hemiparesis.

Methods: Cross-sectional trial in chronic stroke-induced hemiparesis (>6 months).

Validity and reliability of the chronic composite XA, an upper limb motor assessment using Active Range of Motion in patients with chronic stroke.

Background: Upper limb (UL) spastic paresis has been classically evaluated with assessments of passive movements with limited functional validity. The aim of this study was to assess whether a composite measure of active range of motion (AROM, or XA) is valid and reliable in chronic post-stroke spastic paresis.

Aim: The primary objective was to investigate the validity and reliability of a composite score, comprising multiple XA measurements, to assess UL spastic paresis in patients in chronic stages post-stroke.

Reliability of the Modified Frenchay Scale for the Assessment of Upper Limb Function in Adults With Hemiparesis.

Objectives: To investigate the reliability of the Modified Frenchay Scale (MFS) in adults with hemiparesis.

Design: Prospective analysis of videos.

Setting: Study conducted in a Neurorehabilitation Unit of a University Hospital.

Guided Self-rehabilitation Contract vs conventional therapy in chronic peripheral facial paresis: VISAGE, a multicenter randomized controlled trial.

Background: One year after persistent peripheral facial paresis (PFP), prescriptions of conventional rehabilitation are often downgraded into maintenance rehabilitation or discontinued, the patient entering what is seen as a chronic stage. This therapeutic choice is not consistent with current knowledge about behavior-induced plasticity, which is available all life long and may allow intense sensorimotor rehabilitation to remain effective. This prospective, randomized, multicenter single-blind study in subjects with chronic unilateral PFP evaluates changes in facial motor function with a Guided Self-rehabilitation Contract (GSC) vs.

Three-Dimensional Quantification of Facial Morphology and Movements Using a Wearable Helmet.

This work proposes a 3D normative database of facial ranges of motion in adults free from facial disorders. Ten facial movements were analyzed, each targeting the activity of specific muscle groups innervated by the facial nerve. The experimental protocol included a test-retest reliability positioning procedure of 25 skin markers based on clinical expertise in facial morphology.

Guided Self-rehabilitation Contract vs conventional therapy in chronic stroke-induced hemiparesis: NEURORESTORE, a multicenter randomized controlled trial.

Background: After discharge from hospital following a stroke, prescriptions of community-based rehabilitation are often downgraded to "maintenance" rehabilitation or discontinued. This classic therapeutic behavior stems from persistent confusion between lesion-induced plasticity, which lasts for the first 6 months essentially, and behavior-induced plasticity, of indefinite duration, through which intense rehabilitation might remain effective. This prospective, randomized, multicenter, single-blind study in subjects with chronic stroke-induced hemiparesis evaluates changes in active function with a Guided Self-rehabilitation Contract vs conventional therapy alone, pursued for a year.

The neurophysiology of deforming spastic paresis: A revised taxonomy.

This paper revisits the taxonomy of the neurophysiological consequences of a persistent impairment of motor command execution in the classic environment of sensorimotor restriction and muscle hypo-mobilization in short position. Around each joint, the syndrome involves 2 disorders, muscular and neurologic. The muscular disorder is promoted by muscle hypo-mobilization in short position in the context of paresis, in the hours and days after paresis onset: this genetically mediated, evolving myopathy, is called spastic myopathy.

Effect on Passive Range of Motion and Functional Correlates After a Long-Term Lower Limb Self-Stretch Program in Patients With Chronic Spastic Paresis.

Background: In current health care systems, long-duration stretching, performed daily, cannot be obtained through prescriptions of physical therapy. In addition, the short-term efficacy of the various stretching techniques is disputed, and their long-term effects remain undocumented.

Objective: To evaluate changes in extensibility in 6 lower limb muscles and in ambulation speed after a ≥1-year self-stretch program, the Guided Self-rehabilitation Contract (GSC), in individuals with chronic spastic paresis.

A Bidimensional System of Facial Movement Analysis Conception and Reliability in Adults.

Objective: To design a bidimensional facial movement measuring tool and study its reliability.

Methods: We utilized the free video-analysis software Kinovea that can track preselected points during movements and measure two-point distances off-line. Three raters positioned facial markers on 10 healthy individuals and video-taped them during maximal bilateral contractions of frontalis, corrugator, orbicularis oculi, zygomaticus, orbicularis oris, and buccinator, on two occasions.