The Relevance of Spasticity to Function

The particular and general features of spasticity are described, together with some reference to the physician's emphasis on changes in tone as opposed to the therapist's concentration on function. Spasticity is a complex phenomenon, impairing movement in various ways that depend partly upon the kinetics of the movement itself. Electromyographic recordings during voluntary movement may provide unexpected and useful information. The distinctive value of centrally and locally acting drugs in each of these circumstances is discussed.