IJPR.2026.137
Type of Article: Original Research
Volume 14; Issue 3 (August 2026)
Page No.: 5002-5007
DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.16965/ijpr.2026.137
Impact of Calf Muscle Spasticity on Tibialis Anterior Muscle Activation in Chronic Stroke Patients: A Cross-Sectional Study
Jagruti Patel *1, Dhwanit Shah 2.
*1 Professor, Ph.D. Scholar, S.S Agrawal Institute of Physiotherapy and Medical Care Education, Navsari, VNSGU -Gujrat, India.
2 Senior Lecturer, Ph.D. Guide VNSGU, Working Adress: Government Physiotherapy college, Surat, Gujrat, India.
Corresponding Author: Dr. Jagruti Patel (PT), Professor, PhD Scholar, Working Address: S.S Agrawal Institute of Physiotherapy and Medical Care Education, Navsari, VNSGU -Gujarat, India. E-Mail: jagukpatel57@gmail.com
ABSTRACT
Background: Calf muscle spasticity is a common consequence after stroke and can impede the functional activation of antagonist muscles such as the tibialis anterior, affecting gait and mobility.
Objective: To determine the relationship between calf muscle spasticity severity (via Modified Ashworth Scale, MAS) and tibialis anterior activation (via RMS, surface EMG) in chronic stroke patients.
Methods: Cross-sectional study on 108 chronic stroke patients aged 35–65 years. Variables included Age, Gender, Side, MAS for calf, and tibialis anterior RMS. Spearman correlation and Kruskal-Wallis group analysis were applied.
Results: There was a significant negative correlation between MAS and RMS (ρ = –0.42, p < 0.001). RMS of tibialis anterior decreased with increasing calf muscle spasticity.
Conclusion: Greater calf muscle spasticity is associated with reduced tibialis anterior activation, with important implications for gait rehabilitation and physiotherapy planning.
Keywords: Stroke, Spasticity, Tibialis Anterior, Surface Electromyography, Modified Ashworth Scale, Foot Drop, Chronic Stroke.
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