Comparison of spasticity measurements with surface electromyography in the affected and unaffected side of children with hemiparetic cerebral palsy

Abstract

Aims: Various methods are used in the evaluation of spasticity, which is common in Cerebral Palsy (CP). However, studies measuring upper extremity spasticity with Surface Electromyography (sEMG) were found to be insufficient in children with CP. In this study, the comparison of Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS) and sEMG measurements for bilateral upper extremity spasticity in children with Hemiparetic CP was aimed. Methods: 33 (11.03 ± 3.82 years, 11F-2M) patients with hemiparetic CP and 32 healthy controls (10.31± 2.88 years, 16F-16M) with a similar mean age were included in the study. Results: Upper extremity spasticities of both sides of the cases were evaluated with MAS and SEMG. Affected side MAS results were found to be higher than the unaffected side (p<0.05). The mean sEMG value of the wrist flexors was lower on the affected side during voluntary contraction and higher during voluntary relaxation (p<0.05). In addition, the maximum percentage of voluntary contraction was measured higher on the affected side (p<0.05). Conclusion: Spasticity, as assessed by sEMG and MAS, was increased on the affected side. MAS and sEMG give consistent results. These results show us that the YEMG method can be used for spasticity measurements. It is considered that MAS would be a preferable method in evaluating spasticity owing to the fact that it is easy to use and it does not constitute extra costs.