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 .
Validation of portable muscle tone measurement device for quantifying velocity-dependent properties in elbow spasticity.
The objective of this study is to develop a portable device for quantifying the velocity-dependent properties of spastic elbow muscles .  Based on a motor-driven system , validation tests of the portable system such as accuracy and response of sensors were first examined . Furthermore , simulated modules ( inertia , damper and spring ) as well as elbow joints ( 15 control and 15 hemiplegic subjects ) were manually stretched under four different frequencies ( 1/3 , 1/2 , 1 and 3/2 Hz ) through 60 degrees range of motion . Joint resistance and displacement during sinusoidal stretch were collected for further analysis . Two quantitative parameters ( i.e. , viscous components under each frequency and averaged viscosity across four frequencies ) were derived to estimate the velocity-dependent properties of elbow joint . Tests of simulated modules confirm the manual stretch protocol and data analysis are valid in estimating the velocity-dependent component during a sinusoidal stretch . Compared to normal control , viscous component in each stretch frequency and averaged viscosity were significantly higher in subjects with spasticity ( P < 0.001 ) . The viscous component and averaged viscosity were found highly correlated with the modified Ashworth scale . These findings suggest that measurements of viscous component and averaged viscosity during manual sinusoidal stretching using the portable device could be clinical ly useful in evaluating spasticity
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 .