SPASTICITY-VS RIGIDITY

SUMMARY

RIGIDITY
1. Rigidity is increased resistance throughout the range of movement. Akin to bending a lead pipe, AKA lead-pipe rigidity.
2. Caused by extrapyramidal dysfunction: idiopathic (Parkinson's or Parkinsonism), drug-induced (metoclopramide, haloperidol, reserpine).

SPASTICITY
3. Spasticity is velocity-dependent resistance to passive stretching of muscles at rest.
4. Caused by pyramidal dysfunction: vascular (stroke, haemorrhage), trauma (TBI), autoimmune (MS).

Reference(s)

Cifu, D.X. (2020). Braddom’s physical medicine and rehabilitation. Elsevier. Get it on Amazon.
Cuccurullo, S. (2019). Physical medicine and rehabilitation board review. New York: Demosmedical. Get it on Amazon.
O’Young, B., Young, M.A. and Stiens, S.A. (2008). Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Secrets. Mosby. Get it on Amazon.