A spasticity model based on feedback from muscle force explains muscle activity during passive stretches and gait in children with cerebral palsy.

ABSTRACT: Muscle spasticity is characterized by exaggerated stretch reflexes and affects about 85% of the children with cerebral palsy. However, the mechanisms underlying spasticity and its influence on gait are not well understood. Here, we first aimed to model the response of spastic hamstrings and gastrocnemii in children with cerebral palsy to fast passive stretches. Then, we evaluated how the model applied to gait. We developed three models based on exaggerated proprioceptive feedback. The first model relied on feedback from muscle fiber length and velocity (velocity-related model), the second model relied on feedback from muscle fiber length, velocity, and acceleration (acceleration-related model), and the third model relied on feedback from muscle force and its first time derivative (force-re

SUBMITTER: Falisse A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6286045 | biostudies-literature | 2018

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature