Effects of physiotherapy on F-wave-amplitudes in spasticity

Electromyogr Clin Neurophysiol. 1996 Dec;36(8):509-11.

Abstract

F-wave amplitudes have been used to demonstrate changes of motor neuron excitability in spasticity and pharmacological antispastic therapy. In this study it is shown that F-wave amplitudes can also be used to document changes of motor neuron excitability as an effect of physiotherapy. Ten F-waves were recorded immediately before and after physiotherapy in 42 legs of 21 patients with spastic paraparesis due to multiple sclerosis. Mean F-wave amplitude, maximum F-wave amplitude, mean F-wave/M-response ratio and maximum F-wave/M-response ratio were significantly lower after physiotherapy than before. Therefore the antispastic effect of physiotherapy is documented by a decrease of F-wave-amplitude parameters.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Electrophysiology
  • Humans
  • Middle Aged
  • Motor Neurons*
  • Muscle Spasticity / physiopathology*
  • Muscle Spasticity / therapy*
  • Physical Therapy Modalities*