Distribution of Lower Limb Spasticity Does Not Influence Mobility Outcome Following Traumatic Brain Injury: An Observational Study.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the association between lower limb spasticity and mobility limitations following traumatic brain injury (TBI) and determine the influence of spasticity distribution on mobility outcomes following TBI.

SETTING: A large metropolitan rehabilitation hospital.

PARTICIPANTS: Ninety-three ambulant people with TBI who were attending physiotherapy for mobility limitations.

DESIGN: Cross-sectional cohort study.

MAIN MEASURES: The High-Level Mobility Assessment Tool, gait velocity, and the Tardieu scale.

RESULTS: Lower limb spasticity was common following TBI, with a distal distribution being the most prevalent. Participants with spasticity had significantly greater initial mobility limitations than participants without spasticity. However, the distribution of lower limb spasticity and the presence of unilateral or bilateral spasticity had no additional impact on mobility outcomes. There was no significant difference in mobility outcomes at the 6-month follow-up for people with spasticity, indicating that individuals have equivalent ability to improve their mobility over time despite the presence of spasticity.

CONCLUSION: Following TBI, people with lower limb spasticity have significantly greater mobility limitations than those without spasticity, yet the presence and distribution of spasticity does not appear to impact mobility outcomes. There is long-term potential to improve mobility despite the presence of spasticity.