Emerging theory of sensitization in post-stroke muscle spasticity

Spasticity, characterized by a velocity-dependent increase in muscle tone and exaggerated reflexes, is a common complication in individuals with upper motor neuron syndrome, such as stroke survivors. Sensitization, the heightened responsiveness of the nervous system to sensory stimuli, has emerged a...

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Main Author: Areerat Suputtitada
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Frontiers Media S.A. 2023-09-01
Series:Frontiers in Rehabilitation Sciences
Subjects:
Online Access:https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fresc.2023.1169087/full
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author Areerat Suputtitada
author_facet Areerat Suputtitada
author_sort Areerat Suputtitada
collection DOAJ
description Spasticity, characterized by a velocity-dependent increase in muscle tone and exaggerated reflexes, is a common complication in individuals with upper motor neuron syndrome, such as stroke survivors. Sensitization, the heightened responsiveness of the nervous system to sensory stimuli, has emerged as a potential cause of spasticity. This perspective article explores three emerging treatments targeting sensitization. Recent studies have investigated novel treatment modalities for spasticity, including Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT), repetitive peripheral magnetic stimulation (rPMS), and needling. ESWT has shown promising results in reducing spasticity in both the upper and lower extremities, potentially through mechanisms such as nitric oxide production, rheological property changes, and neuromuscular transmission dysfunction. rPMS offers a non-invasive approach that may reduce spasticity by increasing sensory input, enhancing cortical activation, and exerting tissue-softening effects. Needling has also demonstrated positive effects on spasticity reduction. The high heterogeneity observed indicates the need for more rigorous research to confirm these findings. Recently, mechanical needling and sterile water injection invented by the author is also promising for reducing spasticity through removing sensitization. In conclusion, the emerging treatment options discussed in this perspective article provide promising avenues for addressing sensitization in spasticity and improving motor function. However, further research is needed to validate their findings, optimize treatment protocols, and investigate their long-term effects on motor recovery and overall quality of life in individuals with spasticity.
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spelling doaj.art-703b31ac98a64003a0f58f98b60e17c72023-09-18T06:25:38ZengFrontiers Media S.A.Frontiers in Rehabilitation Sciences2673-68612023-09-01410.3389/fresc.2023.11690871169087Emerging theory of sensitization in post-stroke muscle spasticityAreerat SuputtitadaSpasticity, characterized by a velocity-dependent increase in muscle tone and exaggerated reflexes, is a common complication in individuals with upper motor neuron syndrome, such as stroke survivors. Sensitization, the heightened responsiveness of the nervous system to sensory stimuli, has emerged as a potential cause of spasticity. This perspective article explores three emerging treatments targeting sensitization. Recent studies have investigated novel treatment modalities for spasticity, including Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT), repetitive peripheral magnetic stimulation (rPMS), and needling. ESWT has shown promising results in reducing spasticity in both the upper and lower extremities, potentially through mechanisms such as nitric oxide production, rheological property changes, and neuromuscular transmission dysfunction. rPMS offers a non-invasive approach that may reduce spasticity by increasing sensory input, enhancing cortical activation, and exerting tissue-softening effects. Needling has also demonstrated positive effects on spasticity reduction. The high heterogeneity observed indicates the need for more rigorous research to confirm these findings. Recently, mechanical needling and sterile water injection invented by the author is also promising for reducing spasticity through removing sensitization. In conclusion, the emerging treatment options discussed in this perspective article provide promising avenues for addressing sensitization in spasticity and improving motor function. However, further research is needed to validate their findings, optimize treatment protocols, and investigate their long-term effects on motor recovery and overall quality of life in individuals with spasticity.https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fresc.2023.1169087/fullmuscle spasticityextracorporeal shockwave therapyESWTperipheral magnetic stimulationPMSneedling
spellingShingle Areerat Suputtitada
Emerging theory of sensitization in post-stroke muscle spasticity
Frontiers in Rehabilitation Sciences
muscle spasticity
extracorporeal shockwave therapy
ESWT
peripheral magnetic stimulation
PMS
needling
title Emerging theory of sensitization in post-stroke muscle spasticity
title_full Emerging theory of sensitization in post-stroke muscle spasticity
title_fullStr Emerging theory of sensitization in post-stroke muscle spasticity
title_full_unstemmed Emerging theory of sensitization in post-stroke muscle spasticity
title_short Emerging theory of sensitization in post-stroke muscle spasticity
title_sort emerging theory of sensitization in post stroke muscle spasticity
topic muscle spasticity
extracorporeal shockwave therapy
ESWT
peripheral magnetic stimulation
PMS
needling
url https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fresc.2023.1169087/full
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