Detection of spasticity angle of occurrence in upper limb using magnetic MoCap and construction of a severity evaluation method

Abstract

Currently, in Japan, the number of patients with spasticity is increasing, along with the number of patients with injuries to the central nervous system due to an aging population. The modified Ashworth scale (MAS) is a representative method for the evaluation of spasticity in an upper limb. However, evaluation with MAS is subjective and is dependent on the experience of the attending physician. In addition, due to the low resolution of the evaluation scale used for MAS, a precise evaluation of the degree of recovery after rehabilitation for patients with spasticity and determining the effectiveness of the treatment is still a challenge. In this paper, we constructed an elbow joint angle measurement system using magnetic motion capture (MoCap) devices. We measured the flexion and extension movements of the upper limbs of patients with mild spasticity and constructed a method of detection for spasticity angle of occurrence and proposed a severity evaluation method. © 2018 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.