Examination of spasticity of the knee flexors and knee extensors using isokinetic dynamometry with electromyography and clinical scales in children with spinal cord injury

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVE: To examine the role of reflex activity in spasticity and the relationship between peak passive torque, Ashworth Scale (AS), and Spasm Frequency Scale (SFS) of the knee flexors and extensors during the measurement of spasticity using an isokinetic dynamometer in children with spinal cord injury (SCI). METHODS: Eighteen children with chronic SCI and 10 children of typical development (TD) participated. One set of 10 passive movements was completed using an isokinetic dynamometer at 15, 90, and 180 degrees per second (deg/s) while surface electromyographic data were collected from the vastus lateralis (VL) and medial hamstrings (MH). Spasticity was clinically assessed using the AS and SFS. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in peak passive torque of the knee flexors and extensors at any velocity for children with SCI compared to children with TD. Children with TD demonstrated significantly more reflex activity of the MH during the assessment of knee flexor spasticity at all movement velocities than did children with SCI. Children with TD demonstrated significantly more reflex activity of the VL during the assessment of knee-extensor spasticity with movements at 180 deg/s. The relationship between peak passive torque, AS, and SFS was significant during movements at a velocity of 90 deg/s only. CONCLUSIONS: The role of increased reflexes in spasticity needs further examination. Isokinetic dynamometry may be measuring a different aspect of spasticity than the AS and SFS do in children with SCI.     

Spinal Myoclonus After Spinal Cord Injury

Abstract

Background/Objective: In the course of examining spinal motor function in many hundreds of people with traumatic spinal cord injury, we encountered 6 individuals who developed involuntary and rhythmic contractions in muscles of their legs. Although there are many reports of unusual muscle activation patterns associated with different forms of myoclonus, we believe that certain aspects of the patterns seen with these 6 subjects have not been previously reported. These patterns share many features with those associated with a spinal central pattern generator for walking.

Methods: Subjects in this case series had a history of chronic injury to the cervical spinal cord, resulting in either complete (ASIA A; n = 4) or incomplete (ASIA D; n = 2) quadriplegia. We used multi-channel electromyography recordings of trunk and leg muscles of each subject to document muscle activation patterns associated with different postures and as influenced by a variety of sensory stimuli.

Results: Involuntary contractions spanned multiple leg muscles bilaterally, sometimes including weak abdominal contractions. Contractions were smooth and graded and were highly reproducible in rate for a given subject (contraction rates were 0.3-0.5 Hz). These movements did not resemble the brief rapid contractions (ie, "jerks") ascribed to some forms of spinal myoclonus. For all subjects, the onset of involuntary muscle contraction was dependent upon hip angle; contractions did not occur unless the hips (and knees) were extended (ie, subjects were supine). In the 4 ASIA A subjects, contractions occurred simultaneously in all muscles (agonists and antagonists) bilaterally. In sharp contrast, contractions in the 2 ASIA D subjects were reciprocal between agonists and antagonists within a limb and alternated between limbs, such that movements in these 2 subjects looked just like repetitive stepping. Finally, each of the 6 subjects had a distinct pathology of their spinal cord, nerve roots, distal trunk, or thigh; in 4 of these subjects, treatment of the pathology eliminated the involuntary movements.

Conclusion: The timing, distribution, and reliance upon hip angle suggest that these movement patterns reflect some elements of a central pattern generator for stepping. Emergence of these movements in persons with chronic spinal cord injury is extremely rare and appears to depend upon a combination of the more rostrally placed injury and a pathologic process leading to a further enhancement of excitability in the caudal spinal cord.     

Systemic Naloxone Infusion May Trigger Spasticity in Patients With Spinal Cord Injury: Case Series

Abstract

Background/Objective: Three patients with spinal cord injury (SCI) and 3 able-bodied (AB) patients were infused with naloxone during a study to examine their neuroendocrine function. An unanticipated side effect occurred during the naloxone infusion. All 3 patients with SCI, but none of the AB patients, experienced profoundly increased spasticity during the naloxone infusion. Our report describes this side effect, which has potential implications for the clinical treatment or scientific evaluation of individuals with SCI.

Methods: All patients were in good general health and medication free for 11 days or longer before the study. Each patient was placed on a 30-hour protocol to analyze pulsatile release of gonadotropins. Physiologic saline was intravenously infused on day 1 to serve as a control period for naloxone infusion on day 2.

Results: AB patients experienced no muscle spasm activity or any other side effects at any time during the study. In contrast, all 3 patients with SCI experienced a profoundly increased frequency and duration of spasticity in muscles innervated by the nerve roots caudal to their level of injury. In all 3 patients with SCI, spasticity increased only during the period of naloxone infusion. Within 1 hour of stopping naloxone, spasticity returned to baseline levels.

Conclusions: Naloxone infusion produced a differential effect on the muscle activity of men with SCI compared to AB men with intact spinal circuits. Consistent with previous studies, the results of this study indicate a relationship between opioid neuromodulation and spasticity after SCI.     

Clinical and Neurophysiologie Assessment of Strength and Spasticity During Intrathecal Baclofen Titration in Incomplete Spinal Cord Injury: Single-Subject Design

Background/Objective: Spasticity after spinal cord injury (SCI) is commonly managed with oral and intrathecal baclofen (ITB), with less attention to the effects on voluntary motor control. Studies combining clinical and neurophysiologic assessments during dose optimization are rare. Study aims (a) systematically evaluate effects of varied doses of oral and ITB on clinical and neurophysiologic measures of strength and spasticity and (b) relate clinical and neurophysiologic findings.

Methods: A 41-year-old man with an incomplete T11-ASIA D SCI was studied during ITB titration. Spasticity and strength in the lower extremities were assessed clinically and neurophysiologically at 5 different daily dosages of baclofen: (a) 80 mg oral, (b) 80 mg oral/50 jig ITB, (c) 80 mg oral/125 jug ITB, (d) 30 mg oral/125 jig ITB, and (e) 125 μg ITB only.

Results: A dose-dependent change in the Ashworth score and lower limb motor score was observed during titration of oral and ITB. Whereas the Hoffman (H)-reflex was abolished after the introduction of ITB, the flexion withdrawal reflex approximated a dose-dependent pattern. Changes in the motor score and EMG during voluntary muscle activation were proportionally smaller than the corresponding changes in clinical and neurophysiologic measures of spasticity. Neurophysiologic assessment largely paralleled clinical findings.

Conclusions: This single-subject study shows that the control of spasticity can be achieved without detrimental effects on strength in incomplete SCI and suggests the need for including strength testing in comprehensive clinical assessment of spasticity. The study shows convergent validity between clinical and neurophysiologic assessments during ITB dose titration. Adding neurophysiologic assessment to clinical assessment may provide objectivity and sensitivity and facilitate decision-making during ITB titration.     

Clinical and Neurophysiologic Assessment of Strength and Spasticity During Intrathecal Baclofen Titration in Incomplete Spinal Cord Injury: Single-Subject Design

Background/Objective:

Spasticity after spinal cord injury (SCI) is commonly managed with oral and intrathecal baclofen (ITB), with less attention to the effects on voluntary motor control. Studies combining clinical and neurophysiologic assessments during dose optimization are rare. Study aims (a) systematically evaluate effects of varied doses of oral and ITB on clinical and neurophysiologic measures of strength and spasticity and (b) relate clinical and neurophysiologic findings.

Methods:

A 41-year-old man with an incomplete T11-ASIA D SCI was studied during ITB titration. Spasticity and strength in the lower extremities were assessed clinically and neurophysiologically at 5 different daily dosages of baclofen: (a) 80 mg oral, (b) 80 mg oral/50 μg ITB, (c) 80 mg oral/125 μg ITB, (d) 30 mg oral/125 μg ITB, and (e) 125 μg ITB only.

Results:

A dose-dependent change in the Ashworth score and lower limb motor score was observed during titration of oral and ITB. Whereas the Hoffman (H)-reflex was abolished after the introduction of ITB, the flexion withdrawal reflex approximated a dose-dependent pattern. Changes in the motor score and EMG during voluntary muscle activation were proportionally smaller than the corresponding changes in clinical and neurophysiologic measures of spasticity. Neurophysiologic assessment largely paralleled clinical findings.

Conclusions:

This single-subject study shows that the control of spasticity can be achieved without detrimental effects on strength in incomplete SCI and suggests the need for including strength testing in comprehensive clinical assessment of spasticity. The study shows convergent validity between clinical and neurophysiologic assessments during ITB dose titration. Adding neurophysiologic assessment to clinical assessment may provide objectivity and sensitivity and facilitate decision-making during ITB titration.     

Posture Influence on the Pendulum Test of Spasticity in Patients with Spinal Cord Injury

The study aims to investigate the influence of different postures on spasticity results by pendulum test in patients with spinal cord injury (SCI). The setting was at the University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, SP, Brazil. Five individuals with SCI and five individuals in the control group were included. All individuals went through the pendulum test in three different positions: supine, semi‐supine at an angle of 30°, and sitting up at an angle of 60°. An electrogoniometer was attached to the right leg for measurement of knee joint angles. All situations were performed five times. Blood pressure was monitored during tests. Relaxation index (RI), normalized relaxation index (RIn), test duration in seconds, initial flexion angle, and resting angle were analyzed at three different positions. Results were compared between different positions, and statistically no differences were found. In individuals with SCI, RI (1.83 ± 0.2), RIn (1.14 ± 0.13), and test duration values (13.95 ± 4.14), in sitting up position, were similar to the control group results. In sitting up position, patients showed spasticity reduction. However, the other two postures produce pain and increase blood pressure in patients with tetraplegia. Therefore, these postures should be avoided in patients with lesions above T6, due to possible autonomic dysreflexia symptoms.     

脊髓损伤病人的运动功能评定

目的 脊髓损伤（ＳＣＩ）病人的分级多采用Ｆｒａｎｋｅｌ分级标准,我们根据２６０例ＳＣＩ病人的观察,认为对病人活动功能影响最大的最运动功能与排尿功能,且上肢与下肢评级标准不尽相同,从而对分级提出改进意见。方法 本组２６０例, 伤后观察时间达１以上者１５６例,占６０％。损伤部位：Ｃ３－４￣Ｔ１ ９０例,Ｔ ２￣１０ ３７例,Ｔ１１￣Ｌ１ １０５例,Ｌ２－３ ２８例。脊髓损伤类型：完全截瘫１６９例,不全     

Effects of Intrathecal Baclofen on Perceived Sexual Functioning in Men With Spinal Cord Injury

Abstract

Background/Objective: Reports in the literature suggest that administration of intrathecal baclofen to control spasticity may have deleterious effects on erectile function in men with spinal cord injury (SCI). A prospective study was conducted to document any changes in perceived sexual function after implant of a baclofen pump.

Methods: Seven adult men with SCI (ASIA A or B) who received intrathecal baclofen through an implantable pump for treatment of severe spasticity were followed for an average of 670 days (22.4 months) after implant. Perceived sexual function was assessed using the Brief Sexual Function Inventory. Severity of spasticity and overall health-related quality of life were also assessed.

Results: Participants reported improvements in spasticity severity and overall health-related quality of life. Two of 7 participants reported some negative changes in perceived sexual function after baclofen pump implant, noted in the areas of reduced sex drive and problems with erections (frequency, rigidity, difficulty in achieving). However, most participants reported minimal effects on sexual function, and 2 participants reported marked improvement in perceived sexual function from pre- to post-implant. Analysis of changes in perceived sexual function over time suggest that problems may be associated with an increase in baclofen dose and may be reversible with a reduction in dose.

Conclusions: Intrathecal baclofen may impact perceived sexual function particularly at higher doses. However, the effects seem to be reversible with withdrawal or reduction of baclofen administration.     

Fibrinogen Metabolism in Patients With Spinal Cord Injury

Abstract

Background/Objective: Deep venous thrombosis and pulmonary thromboembolism are common within weeks of spinal cord injury (SCI) but clinically uncommon in the chronically paralyzed. Fibrinogen half-life (FHL) and fibrin uptake of the legs (FUT), as indicators of an active thrombotic process, have been used to test this clinical impression.

Methods: Data from the use of autologous preparations of radioiodinated fibrinogen to determine FHL and FUT in 17 men paralyzed at cervical (6), thoracic (10), and lumbar levels (1), at ASIA grades A (15) and C (2) in 1974 to 1976 were reviewed. Group A consisted of 12 subjects 29 ± 8 years of age and paralyzed 1week to 5 months (median, 1 month). Group B consisted of 5 subjects 46 ± 17 years of age and paralyzed 24 to 96 months (median, 36 months). Group B subjects were older and paralyzed longer than Group A. Group C consisted of 4 able-bodied control subjects enrolled at the same time for FHL studies, and these subjects were 34 to 38 years of age.

Results: FHL was 61 ± 14 hours for all SCI subjects and 95 ± 23 hours for Group C (P = 0.001). Group A FHL was 59 ± 16 hours, and FUT was positive in 8 of 12 subjects. Group B FHL was 66 ±7 hours, and FUT was positive in 3 of 4 subjects (1 FUT not done; P= 0.30 and 1.0, respectively).

Conclusions: Fibrinogen metabolism was abnormal in patients with acute SCI at high risk for pulmonary thromboembolism (PE) but continued to be abnormal beyond the high risk period for PE, possibly because of the greater age of the patients in the long-term paralysis group.     

Inflammatory Sacroiliitis in a Man With Spinal Cord Injury

Abstract

Background: Inflammatory sacroiliitis associated with spinal cord injury (SCI) as an unusual cause of elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and C-reactive protein (CRP) level has not been reported previously to our knowledge.

Objective: To represent a case of SCI associated with bilateral sacroiliitis causing ESR and CRP level elevation.

Methods: Case report of a man with T9 paraplegia.

Findings: ESR and CRP levels were high. Pelvic radiography was nearly normal, except for mildly blurred sacroiliac joints with normal margins. A 3-phase bone scan revealed bilateral sacroiliitis and heterotopic ossification at medial side of the left knee. Past history was significant for a recent urinary tract infection. Indomethacin and etidronate were prescribed. Significant decreases in ESR and CRP level were seen 1 month later.

Conclusions: Sacroiliitis might be an unusual cause of elevated ESR and CRP levels in patients with SCI. Sensory and motor deficits may obscure the typical clinical presentation; therefore, imaging studies are essential for the diagnosis.     

Factors Influencing Bladder Stone Formation in Patients With Spinal Cord Injury

Abstract

Objective: Bladder stones that form in patients with spinal cord injury (SCI) can cause significant morbidity. This study sought dto analyze factors associated withbladder stone formation to determine which patients might be at increased risk to developbladder stones.

Methods: A review of 56 SCI patients treated for bladder calculi over a 10-year period at a single institution was performed. These patients were compared with a control population of general SCI patients known tobe stone free. The factors compared were patient age, duration of injury, Ievei of injury, completeness of injury, method of bladder management, and the presence of documentedurinary tract infections with urease -producing organisms.

Results: All patients with stones were male and had a median age of 5 8.5years. The median Ievei of injury was C6, the median time since injury was 21 years, 66% had complete injuries, 68% managed their bladders with in dwelling cathetersor suprapubic tubes,and 83% had a history of infections with urease-producing organisms. When compared with the control group, patients forming bladder stones were older (P = 0 .03), were more likely to have in dwelling catheters (P < 0.0001 ), had a history of infections with urease-producing organisms (P = 0 .04), and had complete injuries(P= 0 .018).

Conclusion: This information can be used to identify patients who have anincreased risk of bladder stones and measures can betaken to reduce their incidence and morbidity.     

Shoulder Muscular Demand During Lever-Activated Vs Pushrim Wheelchair Propulsion in Persons With Spinal Cord Injury

Background/Objective:     

Measuring Depression in Persons With Spinal Cord Injury: A Systematic Review

Background/Objective: Depression has been studied extensively among people with spinal cord injury (SCI). However, basic questions persist regarding the reliability and validity of depression measurement in the context of SCI. The objective of this study was to evaluate the state of knowledge of depression measurement in persons with SCI.

Methods: English-language peer-reviewed citations from MEDLINE, CINAHL, PsycINFO, ProQuest, Google Scholar, and Web of Science from 1980 to present. Two reviewers screened 377 abstracts on SCI and depression topics to identify 144 containing classifiable psychometric data. All 144 were reviewed by 6 reviewers. Twenty-four studies reporting psychometric data on 7 depression measures in SCI samples were identified, including 7 validity studies.

Results: Reliability data were limited to internal consistency and were consistently good to excellent across 19 studies. Validity data were limited to concurrent validity, construct validity, and/or clinical utility in 10 studies. Measures were comparable with respect to internal consistency, factor structure, and clinical utility. Results are limited to peer-reviewed, English literature, and studies were not judged for quality.

Conclusions: Greater attention should be paid to the psychometric evaluation of established measures. Although existing evidence may not justify universal screening, we recommend depression screening in clinical practice when patients may be seen by nonpsychology personnel. There is insufficient evidence to recommend one screening measure over another. Therefore, selection of measures will depend on clinician preferences. Psychometric studies are needed to show test-retest reliability, criterion validity, and sensitivity to change to improve depression recognition and treatment.     

Measuring Depression in Persons With Spinal Cord Injury: A Systematic Review

Background/Objective:     

Evaluation of the Effects of Compression Stockings Using Venous Plethysmography in Persons With Spinal Cord Injury

Abstract

Background/Objective: To examine the effect of graduated compression stockings (GCS) on the properties of the venous vascular system, as characterized by venous capacitance (VC) and venous outflow (VO), in the lower extremities of individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI), according to injury level.

Methods: Nine male subjects with SCI (5 with low paraplegia [LP], 4 with high paraplegia [HP]) performed 2 plethysmography tests: with and without graduated compression knee-length stockings (pressure of 21 mm/Hg). The VC, VO, and cardiovascular parameters (heart rate and blood pressure) were evaluated with and without GCS.

Results: The VC and VO were lower in patients with HP than in those with LP. For all subjects, VC was significantly lower (-14%) with GCS than without (1.77 ± 1.18 vs 1.53 ± 1.09 vol%, P < 0.01). On the contrary, VO did not differ significantly when wearing or not wearing GCS.

Conclusions: This study demonstrated that 21-mm/Hg knee-length GCS are sufficient to prevent venous distension in individuals with SCI, even those with longstanding paraplegia, by significantly decreasing venous capacitance. This intervention may help to prevent deep vein thrombosis.     

小儿颈椎及颈脊髓损伤的影像学诊断

总结小儿颈椎及颈脊髓损伤的影像学诊断经验。回顾分析 59例小儿颈椎及颈脊髓损伤 ,全部病例均常规摄颈椎正、侧位片及齿状突开口位片 ,2 5例摄断层 ,2 8例摄屈 /伸侧位片。 2 1例行CT扫描 ,2 6例行MRI检查。上颈椎损伤 4 6例 ,其中寰椎椎弓骨折 9例 ,枢椎骨折 7例 ,齿状突骨折 2 1例 ,寰椎椎弓骨折合并齿状突骨折 1例 ,寰椎横韧带断裂 8例 ;下颈椎损伤 1 1例 ,其中椎体骨折 3例 ,脱位 2例 ,骨折脱位 6例 ;多节段间隔性颈椎损伤 2例 ,无X线异常的脊髓损伤 (SCIWORA) 3例。认为影像学检查对于小儿颈椎及颈脊髓损伤的诊断具有重要价值 ,对怀疑有颈椎及颈脊髓损伤的小儿患者应常规摄颈椎正、侧位片及齿状突开口位片 ,小儿颈椎SCIWORA应常规行颈椎MRI检查     

Shoulder Muscular Demand During Lever-Activated Vs Pushrim Wheelchair Propulsion In Persons With Spinal Cord Injury

Background/Objective: The high demand on the upper limbs during manual wheelchair (WC) use contributes to a high prevalence of shoulder pathology in people with spinal cord injury (SCI). Leveractivated (LEVER) WCs have been presented as a less demanding alternative mode of manual WC propulsion. The objective of this study was to evaluate the shoulder muscle electromyographic activity and propulsion characteristics in manual WC users with SCI propelling a standard pushrim (ST) and LEVER WC design.

Methods: Twenty men with complete injuries (ASIA A or B) and tetraplegia (C6, n = 5; C7, n = 7) or paraplegia (n = 8) secondary to SCI propelled STand LEVER WCs at 3 propulsion conditions on a stationary ergometer: self-selected free, self-selected fast, and simulated graded resistance. Average velocity, cycle distance, and cadence; median and peak electromyographic intensity; and duration of electromyography of anterior deltoid, pectoralis major, supraspinatus, and infraspinatus muscles were compared between LEVER and ST WC propulsion .

Results: Sign ificant decreases in pectoralis major and supraspinatus activity were recorded during LEVER compared with ST WC propulsion. However, anterior deltoid and infraspinatus intensities tended to increase during LEVER WC propulsion. Participants with tetraplegia had similar or greater anterior deltoid, pectoralis major, and infraspinatus activity for both ST and LEVER WC propulsion compared with the men with paraplegia.

Conclusions: Use of the LEVER WC reduced and shifted the shoulder muscular demands in individuals with paraplegia and tetraplegia. Further studies are needed to determine the impact of LEVER WC propulsion on long-term shoulder function.     

Low-Frequency Fatigue in Individuals With Spinal Cord Injury

Abstract

Background/Objective: This study examined magnitude and recovery of low-frequency fatigue (LFF) in the quadriceps after electrically stimulated contractions in spinal cord-injured (SCI) and able-bodied subjects.

Subjects: Nine SCI (ASIA A-C, levels C5-T9, injured 13.6 ± 12.2 years) and 9 sedentary able-bodied subjects completed this study.

Methods: Fatigue was evoked in 1 thigh, and the nonfatigued leg served as a control. The fatigue test for able-bodied subjects lasted 15 minutes. For SCI, stimulation was adjusted so that the relative drop in force was matched to the able-bodied group. Force was assessed at 20 (P20) and 100 Hz (PI 00), and the ratio of P20/P100 was used to evaluate LFF in thighs immediately after, at 10, 20, and 60 minutes, and at 2, 4, 6, and 24 hours after a fatigue test.

Results: The magnitude of LFF (up to 1 hour after fatigue) was not different between able-bodied and patients with SCI. However, recovery of LFF over 24 hours was greater in able-bodied compared with patients with SCI in both the experimental (P < 0.001) and control legs (P < 0.001). The able-bodied group showed a gradual recovery of LFF over time in the experimental leg, whereas the SCI group did not.

Conclusions: These results show that individuals with SCI are more susceptible to LFF than able-bodied subjects. In SCI, simply assessing LFF produced considerable LFF and accounted for a substantial portion of the response. We propose that muscle injury is causing the dramatic LFF in SCI, and future studies are needed to test whether “fatigue” in SCI is actually confounded by the effects of muscle injury.     

Revaccination of Adults With Spinal Cord Injury Using the 23-Valent Pneumococcal Polysaccharide Vaccine

Abstract

Background/Objective: Persons with spinal cord injury (SCI) are predisposed to develop pneumonia. This study was undertaken to determine the effect of revaccination with the pneumococcal vaccine on the immune response and the frequency of adverse reactions in this population.

Methods: An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to measure immunoglobulin G to selected pneumococcal capsular polysaccharides on sera collected from 23 persons who were revaccinated 5 years after primary vaccination. Sera were collected just prior to, 1 month, and 1 year following revaccination. Functional activities of serotype-specific antibodies were determined by opsonophagocytosis assays.

Results: Several subjects maintained protective antibody concentrations at baseline. Increases in antibody concentrations were observed for all serotypes at 1 month and 1 year. Opsonophagocytic activity increased over baseline when evaluated 1 month and 1 year after revaccination, and a significant positive correlation was observed between antibody concentration and opsonophagocytic activity at all 3 time points. Three persons (13%) experienced transient and self-limited local swelling and pain at the injection site following revaccination.

Conclusions: Protective antibody may be present in some persons for at least 5 years after vaccination. Revaccination induces a secondary surge in antibody concentration and opsonophagocytic activity that varies according to serotype but may be of lesser magnitude than the primary response. Revaccination of persons with SCI is not associated with significant adverse effects. Whether revaccination is needed beyond 5 years will require additional investigation.