This is a guest post on the EasyStand Blog by Ginny Paleg, DScPT, MS, PT.
We found thirteen articles showing that standing can decrease spasticity. Three of these studies combined standing with whole body vibration (WBV)-Garrett, Otzel and Ahlborg- and all had some degree of success in decreasing spasticity (used Ashworth and modified ashworth (MAS) in at least one joint). None stated how long these effects lasted.
For patients with spinal cord injuries, Odeen Bohannan and Richardson showed decreased spasticity following standing. Clinically however, the length of the effect may be so short that patients may feel that other interventions are more beneficial. Tsai showed similar effects in patients with stroke and hemiplegia.
Trembley (used torque and EMG – which is really the best way currently to measure this) and Zabel (used MAS) documented decreased spasticity following standing in children with Cerebral Palsy.
It’s important to state how each researcher defined and measured spasticity/tone as this field is rapidly changing. Over the past 5 years many articles have been published refuting the reliability and validity of the Ashworth and MAS. In 2001 NIH set new guidelines and suggested that researchers and clinicians use the Tradeiu. Today, most laboratory based researchers use EMG and torque to measure spasticity.
The survey data, Dunn, Eng, Huston and Warren (as cited by Walter) is less reliable, but all showed patients reporting decreased tone, spasticity, spasms and reflexes.
When taken together, this data is important because just a few years ago we might have thought that standing would increase spasticity. Further research is needed using better measures of spasticity and testing the subjects hours and days after standing. It would also be beneficial to see if standing could increase “tone” in people with hypotonia.
Did you know that there is over 100 research studies related to the benefits of standing? See all the abstracts on the EasyStand website at www.easystand.com/research.
Read more blog posts from Ginny Paleg, PT
Can a Standing Program Improve Bowel Function?
Can a Standing Program Improve Motor Skills?
Can a Standing Program Improve Hip Integrity?
Can a Standing Program Improve Bladder Function?
Can a Standing Program Improve Bone Density?
What results have you seen in regards to standing and spasticity?
