Assessing and quantifying the interactions between spasticity, proprioception, and motor function of the upper limb after stroke: A meta-analysis

Jasmine Usher; Jacqui Morris; Alejandra Aranceta-Garza

doi:10.1177/20556683251372085

Assessing and quantifying the interactions between spasticity, proprioception, and motor function of the upper limb after stroke: A meta-analysis

Jasmine Usher
, Jacqui Morris
, Alejandra Aranceta-Garza (Lead / Corresponding author)

Research output: Contribution to journal › Review article › peer-review

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Abstract

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to carry out a systematic review and meta-analysis of available literature on the relationships between spasticity, proprioception and motor function of the upper limb post-stroke.

METHODS: Using the terms: stroke; movement; proprioception; spasticity; rehabilitation; and upper limb, a systematic search was conducted on Scopus, PubMed and Web of Science from database inception to November 2023. A study must have assessed two of spasticity, proprioception, or motor function of the upper limb post-stroke to be included. Random-effects meta-analyses were conducted to investigate changes in time and strength of correlations between variables.

RESULTS: Fifty-two studies were included. Over time, spasticity increased (OR = 0.5, p = 0.0475); proprioception and motor function impairments decreased (OR = 3.15, p < 0.0001; OR = 3.21, p < 0.0001, respectively). The correlation between spasticity and proprioception was weak (r = 0.33, p = 0.0283); between proprioception and motor function was moderate (r = 0.45, p < 0.0001); and between spasticity and motor function was moderate (r = 0.55, p < 0.0001).

CONCLUSION: Despite the limitation of heterogeneity in the available evidence, relationships between variables were illustrated. Moderate correlations between proprioception and both spasticity and motor function suggest proprioception should be an important target for personalised rehabilitation interventions.

Original language	English
Pages (from-to)	1-14
Number of pages	14
Journal	Journal of Rehabilitation and Assistive Technologies Engineering
Volume	12
Early online date	17 Sept 2025
DOIs	https://doi.org/10.1177/20556683251372085
Publication status	E-pub ahead of print - 17 Sept 2025

Keywords

stroke
spasticity
proprioception
motor function
upper limb

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10.1177/20556683251372085Licence: CC BY

Final published versionFinal published version, 1.4 MBLicence: CC BY

Development of High-Density Surface-Electromyographic Biomarkers to Improve Stroke Rehabilitation, Management And Prognosis (Joint with University of Maribor, Slovenia, National Institute of Rehabilitation, Mexico and NHS Tayside)
Aranceta-Garza, A. (Investigator) & Morris, J. (Investigator)
1/11/22 → 31/12/26
Project: Research

Cite this

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title = "Assessing and quantifying the interactions between spasticity, proprioception, and motor function of the upper limb after stroke: A meta-analysis",

abstract = "OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to carry out a systematic review and meta-analysis of available literature on the relationships between spasticity, proprioception and motor function of the upper limb post-stroke.METHODS: Using the terms: stroke; movement; proprioception; spasticity; rehabilitation; and upper limb, a systematic search was conducted on Scopus, PubMed and Web of Science from database inception to November 2023. A study must have assessed two of spasticity, proprioception, or motor function of the upper limb post-stroke to be included. Random-effects meta-analyses were conducted to investigate changes in time and strength of correlations between variables.RESULTS: Fifty-two studies were included. Over time, spasticity increased (OR = 0.5, p = 0.0475); proprioception and motor function impairments decreased (OR = 3.15, p < 0.0001; OR = 3.21, p < 0.0001, respectively). The correlation between spasticity and proprioception was weak (r = 0.33, p = 0.0283); between proprioception and motor function was moderate (r = 0.45, p < 0.0001); and between spasticity and motor function was moderate (r = 0.55, p < 0.0001). CONCLUSION: Despite the limitation of heterogeneity in the available evidence, relationships between variables were illustrated. Moderate correlations between proprioception and both spasticity and motor function suggest proprioception should be an important target for personalised rehabilitation interventions.",

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author = "Jasmine Usher and Jacqui Morris and Alejandra Aranceta-Garza",

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Assessing and quantifying the interactions between spasticity, proprioception, and motor function of the upper limb after stroke: A meta-analysis. / Usher, Jasmine ; Morris, Jacqui ; Aranceta-Garza, Alejandra (Lead / Corresponding author).
In: Journal of Rehabilitation and Assistive Technologies Engineering, Vol. 12, 17.09.2025, p. 1-14.

Research output: Contribution to journal › Review article › peer-review

TY - JOUR

T1 - Assessing and quantifying the interactions between spasticity, proprioception, and motor function of the upper limb after stroke

T2 - A meta-analysis

AU - Usher, Jasmine

AU - Morris, Jacqui

AU - Aranceta-Garza, Alejandra

PY - 2025/9/17

Y1 - 2025/9/17

N2 - OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to carry out a systematic review and meta-analysis of available literature on the relationships between spasticity, proprioception and motor function of the upper limb post-stroke.METHODS: Using the terms: stroke; movement; proprioception; spasticity; rehabilitation; and upper limb, a systematic search was conducted on Scopus, PubMed and Web of Science from database inception to November 2023. A study must have assessed two of spasticity, proprioception, or motor function of the upper limb post-stroke to be included. Random-effects meta-analyses were conducted to investigate changes in time and strength of correlations between variables.RESULTS: Fifty-two studies were included. Over time, spasticity increased (OR = 0.5, p = 0.0475); proprioception and motor function impairments decreased (OR = 3.15, p < 0.0001; OR = 3.21, p < 0.0001, respectively). The correlation between spasticity and proprioception was weak (r = 0.33, p = 0.0283); between proprioception and motor function was moderate (r = 0.45, p < 0.0001); and between spasticity and motor function was moderate (r = 0.55, p < 0.0001). CONCLUSION: Despite the limitation of heterogeneity in the available evidence, relationships between variables were illustrated. Moderate correlations between proprioception and both spasticity and motor function suggest proprioception should be an important target for personalised rehabilitation interventions.

AB - OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to carry out a systematic review and meta-analysis of available literature on the relationships between spasticity, proprioception and motor function of the upper limb post-stroke.METHODS: Using the terms: stroke; movement; proprioception; spasticity; rehabilitation; and upper limb, a systematic search was conducted on Scopus, PubMed and Web of Science from database inception to November 2023. A study must have assessed two of spasticity, proprioception, or motor function of the upper limb post-stroke to be included. Random-effects meta-analyses were conducted to investigate changes in time and strength of correlations between variables.RESULTS: Fifty-two studies were included. Over time, spasticity increased (OR = 0.5, p = 0.0475); proprioception and motor function impairments decreased (OR = 3.15, p < 0.0001; OR = 3.21, p < 0.0001, respectively). The correlation between spasticity and proprioception was weak (r = 0.33, p = 0.0283); between proprioception and motor function was moderate (r = 0.45, p < 0.0001); and between spasticity and motor function was moderate (r = 0.55, p < 0.0001). CONCLUSION: Despite the limitation of heterogeneity in the available evidence, relationships between variables were illustrated. Moderate correlations between proprioception and both spasticity and motor function suggest proprioception should be an important target for personalised rehabilitation interventions.

KW - stroke

KW - spasticity

KW - proprioception

KW - motor function

KW - upper limb

U2 - 10.1177/20556683251372085

DO - 10.1177/20556683251372085

M3 - Review article

C2 - 40979889

SN - 2055-6683

VL - 12

SP - 1

EP - 14

JO - Journal of Rehabilitation and Assistive Technologies Engineering

JF - Journal of Rehabilitation and Assistive Technologies Engineering

ER -

Assessing and quantifying the interactions between spasticity, proprioception, and motor function of the upper limb after stroke: A meta-analysis

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Keywords

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Projects

Development of High-Density Surface-Electromyographic Biomarkers to Improve Stroke Rehabilitation, Management And Prognosis (Joint with University of Maribor, Slovenia, National Institute of Rehabilitation, Mexico and NHS Tayside)

Cite this