Does spasticity interfere with functional recovery after stroke? A novel approach to understand, measure and treat spasticity after acute stroke

The principal aim of this thesis is on identifying if spasticity on the wrist after an acute stroke interferes with functional recovery of the upper limb.This randomized study demonstrated that sNMES treatment along with standardized upper limb therapy improves muscle strength for wrist extension and grip and prevents the development of pain in severely disabled stroke patients. There was some evidence that treatment with electrical stimulation was beneficial in reducing contractures however it had no effect on spasticity. Larger studies are required to study sNMES treatment influence on arm function.