What is a common characteristic of spasticity?

Increased muscle tone is a hallmark feature of spasticity. Spasticity is defined by the presence of an abnormal increase in muscle tone or stiffness, which often occurs as a result of damage to the part of the brain or spinal cord that controls voluntary movement. This condition leads to muscles being continuously contracted, resulting in a tightness that can affect movement and coordination. Individuals with spasticity often experience difficulty in controlling their muscle movements, which can lead to involuntary muscle contractions.

The increased muscle tone in spasticity can cause a variety of physical challenges, including limited range of motion, pain, and difficulty with functional activities. Understanding this characteristic is crucial for developing effective treatment and management strategies for individuals affected by conditions that lead to spasticity, such as cerebral palsy or aftermaths of stroke.

In contrast, loss of muscle strength, joint hypermobility, and muscle atrophy are not defining features of spasticity. While loss of muscle strength can occur as a secondary effect due to disuse or imbalance caused by spastic muscles, it is not a direct characteristic of the condition itself. Joint hypermobility refers to an excessive range of motion at the joints which is not typically associated with spasticity, and muscle