Article

Objective: To conduct a systematic review using validated
critical appraisal scales to analyze both the quality and content
of the psychometric evidence of spasticity measurement
tools in cerebral palsy children and adolescents.
Data Sources: The literature search was performed in 3 databases
(Pubmed, CINAHL, Embase) up to March 2012.
Study Selection: To be retained for detailed review, studies
had to report on at least one psychometric property of one or
many spasticity assessment tool(s) used to evaluate cerebral
palsy children and adolescents.
Data Extraction: Two raters independently reviewed admissible
articles using a critical appraisal scale and a structured
data extraction form.
Data Synthesis: A total of 19 studies examining 17 spasticity
assessment tools in cerebral palsy children and adolescents
were reviewed. None of the reviewed tools demonstrated satisfactory
results for all psychometric properties evaluated,
and a major lack of evidence concerning responsiveness
was emphasized. However, neurophysiological tools demonstrated
the most promising results in terms of reliability and
discriminating validity.
Conclusions: This systematic review revealed insufficient
psychometric evidence for a single spasticity assessment tool
to be recommended over the others in pediatric and adolescent populations.
Key words : systematic review ; reliability; validity; assessment
tools; muscle spasticity; cerebral palsy; rehabilitation.

Langue : ANGLAIS