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 .
Regulation of stretch reflex threshold in elbow flexors in children with cerebral palsy: a new measure of spasticity.
The tonic stretch reflex threshold in children with cerebral palsy ( CP ) was measured to determine its test-retest reliability and its concurrent validity as a potential measure of spasticity . Fourteen children with spastic CP aged 6 to 18 years were tested on three separate occasions for clinical spasticity and stretch reflex thresholds of affected elbow flexors .  Electromyographic ( EMG ) recordings were obtained by surface electrodes for elbow flexors and extensors during mechanical displacements of the passive joint towards extension . Displacements were produced by a torque motor at seven velocities which r and omly varied from trial to trial . EMG activity was measured in the stretched flexor muscles to determine threshold angles and velocities for each velocity of stretch . These were plotted on a velocity-angle-phase diagram and regression analysis was used to determine the static stretch reflex threshold for each participant . The measure showed good test-retest reliability for the group ( ICC 0.73 , p<0.001 ) whereas a significant correlation between the measure and the clinical spasticity scale was not found . This technique is a potential outcome variable for measuring the efficacy of treatments aim ed at decreasing spasticity in children with CP
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 .