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Not everything is weakness! In the second of a multi-part series on stroke, Dr. Michael Powers highlights the role of abnormal synergies and spasticity on movement and functional difficulties after stroke. Along the way, you'll learn about stereotypical synergy and spasticity patterns, motor recovery expectations, tools to examine synergies and spasticity, and how to consider synergies and spasticity within an evidence-based plan of care for stroke rehabilitation.

Key Takeaways

• Acute stroke response and flaccidity
• Abnormal synergies and impact on movement
• Stages of motor recovery following stroke
• Outcome measures for synergies: STREAM and Fugl-Myer
• Spasticity as part of the upper motor neuron (UMN) syndrome
• Strongest spasticity components for the upper and lower extremity
• Examining spasticity: Modified Ashworth Scale and Tardieu Scale
• Moving Forward: contextualizing synergies and spasticity within best current evidence

References

• O'Sullivan & Schmitz's Physical Rehabilitation, 8th ed.
• Stroke Rehabilitation Assessment of Movement
• Fugl-Meyer Assessment of Motor Recovery after Stroke
• Best Practice Guidelines for the Management of Patients with Post-Stroke Spasticity
• Moving Forward: State of Evidence in Neurologic Physical Therapy

All music courtesy of Free Music Archive and used via attribution 4.0 international license.

• Intro and Outro: Stylin' by JMHBM
• Transitional: Our Reality by Ketsa

Connect

• email: neuropowerhour@drmichaelpowers.com
• LinkedIn