Increased resistance to muscle stretch, which is velocity-dependent, and may in part be due to peripheral changes in muscle stiffness. Resistance can suddenly diminish (the ‚aaclasp-knife‚aa effect). Tendon reflexes are hyperactive and clonus may be present. Spasticity is classified according to its distribution across body parts or topographical location. The relationship of spasticity to disordered control of movement is not entirely clear.
See Athetoid (or athetotiform) movements, Cerebral palsy, Grasp response, Spastic diplegia, Spastic hemiplegia, Spastic quadraplegia