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Aims and objectives The purpose of this study was to determine how patients' symptom experiences of muscle tightness correlate with examiner assessments. To address this question, we (1) obtained the vocabularies used by patients and examiners to describe muscle tightness, (2) correlated patient- reported Visual Analog Scale ratings for locations of muscle tightness on a body diagram and (3) explored the similarities and differences between patient and examiner evaluation of muscle tightness analytically and graphically. Background Symptoms of muscle tightness are common complaints that occur due to musculoskeletal and neuromusculoskeletal injuries. Terms such as muscle tightness are often intermingled with other conditions including muscle tension, muscle spasticity and muscle rigidity. Discrepancies between patients and clinicians understanding of similar symptoms have been reported in the literature. Design A concurrent exploratory mixed methods design was used. Method Fifty-seven participants (six physical therapists, 51 patients) participated. Participants provided semi-structured interviews, ratings through Visual Analog Scale and concurrently provided the words used to describe muscle tightness. Patients also provided the location of muscle tightness on a body diagram. Content analysis and hierarchical linear modelling were used for data analysis. Results The patients' vocabularies contained more sensory and pain experiences when compared to the clinicians' vocabularies. Examiners and patients ratings were variable (standard deviation >20) and contained discrepancies. Stress played a role in the symptom experience of muscle tightness. Examiners tended to focus on patients' chief complaints, while patients reported their symptoms from a whole-body perspective. Conclusions Symptom experiences of muscle tightness can occur with or without pain. Use of complementary therapy and development of an objective tool that accounts for patients' sensory experiences is warranted. Relevance to clinical Practice Findings from this study indicate that in addition to all other available treatments options, nurses must also educate patients about correct posture alignment, breathing exercises and stress management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Spasticity is a poorly understood phenomenon. The aim of this paper is to understand the effect of spasticity on daily life and identify bedside strategies that enhance patient's function and improve comfort. Spasticity and clonus result from an upper motor neuron lesion that disinhibits the tendon stretch reflex; however, they are differentiated in the fact that spasticity results in a velocity dependent tightness of muscle whereas clonus results in uncontrollable jerks of the muscle. Clinical strategies that address function and comfort are paramount. This is a secondary content analysis using a qualitative research design. Adults experiencing spasticity associated with neuromuscular disorder were asked to participate during inpatient acute rehabilitation. They were asked to complete a semistructured interview to explain and describe the nature of their experienced spasticity on daily basis. Spasticity affects activities of daily living, function, and mobility. Undertreated spasticity can lead to pain, immobility, and risk of falls. There were missed opportunities to adequately care for patientswith spasticity. Bedside care strategies identified by patients with spasticity are outlined. Uses of alternative therapies in conjunction with medications are needed to better manage spasticity. Patient reports on spasticity are important and should be part of clinical evaluation and practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

bhimani r.h., mc alpine c.p. & henly s.j. ( 2012) Understanding spasticity from patients' perspectives over time. Journal of Advanced Nursing 68(11), 2504-2514. Abstract Aim. The purpose of this paper was to report patients' understanding and perceptions of personal spasticity experiences over time. Background. Spasticity is an unpleasant and poorly understood experience associated with upper motor neuron disease. Design. An original qualitative study was conducted in 2008-2009. Method. Content analysis was used to extract meaning from the responses of 23 patients to semi-structured interviews during 7 days of acute rehabilitation for neurological diseases associated with spasticity. Findings. Patients used words reflecting muscle tone and spasms to describe spasticity. Themes reflecting the spasticity experience over time were Ambiguous Experiences, Navigating Symptom Experience, Wounded Self, and Unending Journey. Conclusion. Spasticity as experienced is complex, involving a wide range of unusual sensations sensitive to stressors in everyday life. Clinical evaluation of spasticity should include patient reports. Knowledge about patient word choice used to describe spasticity can enhance communication with healthcare providers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]