Article

Spasticity and contracture are major sources of disability in people with
neurological impairments that have been evaluated using various instruments: the
Modified Ashworth Scale, tendon reflex scale, pendulum test, mechanical
perturbations, and passive joint range of motion (ROM). These measures generally
are either convenient to use in clinics but not quantitative or they are
quantitative but difficult to use conveniently in clinics. We have developed a
manual spasticity evaluator (MSE) to evaluate spasticity/contracture
quantitatively and conveniently, with ankle ROM and stiffness measured at a
controlled low velocity and joint resistance and Tardieu catch angle measured at
several higher velocities. We found that the Tardieu catch angle was linearly
related to the velocity, indicating that increased resistance at higher
velocities was felt at further stiffer positions and, thus, that the velocity
dependence of spasticity may also be position-dependent. This finding indicates
the need to control velocity in spasticity evaluation, which is achieved with the
MSE. Quantitative measurements of spasticity, stiffness, and ROM can lead to more
accurate characterizations of pathological conditions and outcome evaluations of
interventions, potentially contributing to better healthcare services for
patients with neurological disorders such as cerebral palsy, spinal cord injury,
traumatic brain injury, and stroke.

Langue : ANGLAIS