Article

Spasticity is clinically assessed using goniometry to measure the joint angle of
the catch (AOC) during fast passive muscle stretch. The precision and accuracy of
the goniometric AOC measurements are questionable, because of the inevitable
joint repositioning after occurrence of the catch. This study aims to evaluate
the use of goniometry in estimating the AOC in spasticity assessment of the
medial hamstrings, soleus and gastrocnemius in twenty children with Cerebral
palsy (CP), using inertial sensors (IS) as reference system. The IS were
initially validated with an optoelectronic system to measure 3d-orientation and
proved to be accurate within 1 degree. To evaluate the precision and accuracy of
the goniometry, the joint angle measured with the goniometer after repositioning
was compared to the joint angle measured simultaneously with the IS, and to the
true AOC, detected and measured with the IS during the fast muscle stretch.
Results showed that goniometry is an imprecise method to measure the true AOC in
spasticity assessment. The error is mainly due to joint repositioning after the
fast muscle stretch. For spasticity assessment, it is advised to apply inertial
sensors when a precise measurement of the angle of catch is required.

Langue : ANGLAIS