College of Massage Therapists of British Columbia (CMTBC) Practice Exam

How is spasticity defined in a medical context?

1. A sudden involuntary muscular contraction or convulsion movement

2. A muscular twitching involving individual muscle fibers acting without coordination

3. A brief, spontaneous contraction affecting a small number of muscle fibers, often causing flickers of movement under the skin

4. Abnormal muscle tightness due to prolonged muscle contractions associated with neurological conditions

The correct answer is: Abnormal muscle tightness due to prolonged muscle contractions associated with neurological conditions

Spasticity is defined in a medical context as abnormal muscle tightness resulting from prolonged muscle contractions linked to neurological conditions. This phenomenon occurs because of an imbalance in the signals sent from the brain to the muscles, especially following an injury or disease affecting the motor pathways in the central nervous system, such as in cases of cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis, or stroke. When spasticity is present, the affected muscles may be in a state of constant contraction, leading to stiffness and restricted range of motion. This condition can affect posture and movement significantly and varies in severity from mild to severe. The definition captures the essence of spasticity as a direct consequence of neurological impairment, highlighting its connection to underlying health conditions rather than merely being a symptom of acute muscular dysfunction, which differentiates it from other types of involuntary movements or contractions described in the incorrect options.