Parameters that integrated electrophysiological signals with joint movement characteristics were best able to quantify spasticity .
There were conflicting results regarding biomechanical-based parameters that quantify the resistance to passive stretch .
AIM The first aim of this study was to systematic ally review and critically assess manually controlled instrumented spasticity assessment methods that combine multidimensional signals .
The second aim was to extract a set of quantified parameters that are psychometrically sound to assess spasticity in a clinical setting .
Reliability of elbow stretch reflex assessment in chronic post-stroke hemiparesis
OBJECTIVE To establish reliability of quantitative measures of elbow joint spastic hypertonia in post-stroke hemiparesis . METHODS Nine subjects with post-stroke hemiparesis ( mn duration : 42 months ) were tested on three separate days . Biceps brachii and brachioradialis EMG were recorded during passive ramp- and -hold extensions applied at seven speeds between 30 and 210 degrees /s . EMG burst duration , onset position threshold , and burst intensity were used to evaluate reflex activity . Torque at 40 degrees of elbow flexion was used as a mechanical indicator of spastic hypertonia . RESULTS Across speeds ICCs were consistent , means ranged between 0.63 and 0.85 . Thus , relative reliability was fair to excellent for all parameters . Absolute reliability , determined using st and ard error of measurement expressed as a percentage of the mean score ( % SEM ) , improved at higher speeds ( > or = 120 degrees/s ) . CONCLUSIONS These results establish reliability of reflex and mechanical measures of elbow spastic hypertonia post-stroke . The data demonstrate greater reflex detection at high speeds , indicating greater potential to document meaningful changes in these distinct aspects of spastic hypertonia following intervention . SIGNIFICANCE Based on findings of this study , reliability was demonstrated using four parameters of reflex EMG and torque indicating measurement consistency across sessions . These observations motivate determination of requisite effect sizes for clinical trials that evaluate treatment outcome
Parameters that integrated electrophysiological signals with joint movement characteristics were best able to quantify spasticity .
There were conflicting results regarding biomechanical-based parameters that quantify the resistance to passive stretch .
AIM The first aim of this study was to systematic ally review and critically assess manually controlled instrumented spasticity assessment methods that combine multidimensional signals .
The second aim was to extract a set of quantified parameters that are psychometrically sound to assess spasticity in a clinical setting .