Which statement best describes the impact of spasticity on cerebral palsy?

Which statement best describes the impact of spasticity on cerebral palsy?

• A. It can limit ROM.
• B. It can limit ROM and affect mobility.
• C. It improves range of motion.
• D. It has no effect on movement.

Answer: (B)

Spasticity in cerebral palsy is a velocity-dependent increase in muscle tone due to an overactive stretch reflex. This extra tone makes joints stiffer and harder to move, which reduces the range of motion at affected joints. Over time, persistent spasticity can lead to contractures, further limiting ROM and making functional tasks like walking, standing, or transferring more difficult. Because mobility depends on both how much a joint can move and how the muscles coordinate during movement, spasticity directly affects movement. It does not improve ROM, and it clearly has a real impact on movement, so the statement that best describes its impact is that it can limit ROM and affect mobility.

Spasticity in cerebral palsy is a velocity-dependent increase in muscle tone due to an overactive stretch reflex. This extra tone makes joints stiffer and harder to move, which reduces the range of motion at affected joints. Over time, persistent spasticity can lead to contractures, further limiting ROM and making functional tasks like walking, standing, or transferring more difficult. Because mobility depends on both how much a joint can move and how the muscles coordinate during movement, spasticity directly affects movement. It does not improve ROM, and it clearly has a real impact on movement, so the statement that best describes its impact is that it can limit ROM and affect mobility.