Massage & Bodywork Licensing Examination (MBLEx)

Which of the following conditions can cause chronic spasticity of the iliopsoas?

1. Kyphosis

2. Lordosis

3. Scoliosis

4. Osteoporosis

The correct answer is: Scoliosis

Chronic spasticity of the iliopsoas can be influenced by conditions that affect spinal alignment and posture. Scoliosis, characterized by a lateral curvature of the spine, can lead to imbalances in muscle tone and length on either side of the spine. This postural distortion can cause the iliopsoas muscle, which plays a significant role in hip flexion and stabilizing the pelvis, to become overactive or spastic on one side in an attempt to compensate for the uneven distribution of forces. The compensation responses to the spinal curvature create increased tension and contraction in the iliopsoas muscle, leading to chronic spasticity. In contrast, while kyphosis can affect posture, it typically influences the thoracic region more than directly impacting the iliopsoas. Lordosis, which involves an exaggerated lumbar curve, may result in some changes to hip flexor muscle dynamics, but it does not primarily cause spasticity of the iliopsoas as scoliosis does. Osteoporosis involves bone density loss but does not directly lead to the muscle tone changes associated with spasticity, making it less relevant in this context. Thus, among the options provided, scoliosis is the condition most directly linked to chronic spasticity