Mental techniques and stretching in spasticity - A randomised controlled trial

INTERVENTION: 1. One group will be taught to relax using relaxation techniques such as breathing 2. The other group will be taught to practice mentally stretching the affected muscles CONDITION: Nervous System Diseases: Spasticity ; Nervous System Diseases ; Spasticity PRIMARY OUTCOME: 1. The primary patient outcome measure will be the change in the numerical scale rating of pain/discomfort experienced during the passive stretch of the selected limb/muscle group, this rating being 0‐11, this change being calculated from the baseline to the assessment at 9 weeks. ; 2. The primary external outcome measure will be the change in the numerical scale rating of the difficulty of undertaking the stretch of the selected limb/muscle group, this rating being 0‐11, this change being calculated from the baseline to the assessment at 9 weeks. SECONDARY OUTCOME: Change from baseline to 9 and 12 weeks in:; 1. Modified Ashworth Scale measure of spasticity applied to the selected joint ; 2. Degrees of stretch achieved measured using a goniometer ; 3. Time taken to achieve 30 degrees of change in joint angle measured in seconds INCLUSION CRITERIA: Participants will be recruited from consultant neurologists if they have a neurological condition, are aged 18 years and over and have a stiff muscle group that needs regular stretching to prevent deterioration and /or to reduce existing problems (such as difficulty in being dressed).