Measurement Of Spasticity Research Articles

Clinical assessment of ankle plantarflexor spasticity in adult patients after stroke: Inter-and intra-rater reliability of the Modified Tardieu Scale

Primary objective: To evaluate the reliability of the Modified Tardieu Scale (MTS) in the measurement of ankle plantarflexor spasticity in patients after stroke.Research design: Inter- and intra-rater reliability study.Interventions: Not applicable.Methods and procedures: Adult patients after stroke participated. Patients were tested by two raters for inter-rater reliability. Patients were re-tested by one rater at least 1 week later for intra-rater reliability. The plantarflexors on the hemiparetic side were tested.Main outcomes and results: The ICCs of inter and intra-rater reliability across all components of MTS were moderate and moderately high (range 0.40–0.71). Inter- and intra-rater reliability for the dynamic component of spasticity (R2–R1) were moderate (ICC = 0.57 and 0.40, respectively). The difference between the two raters for R2 was statistically significant (p = 0.001).Conclusions: The reliability of the Modified Tardieu Scale in the measurement of ankle plantarflexor spasticity in adult patients after stroke was insufficient for routine use in clinical settings and research.

Upper limb international spasticity study: rationale and protocol for a large, international, multicentre prospective cohort study investigating management and goal attainment following treatment with botulinum toxin A in real-life clinical practice

ObjectivesThis article provides an overview of the Upper Limb International Spasticity (ULIS) programme, which aims to develop a common core dataset for evaluation of real-life practice and outcomes in the...

Clinical usefulness of the pendulum test using a NK table to measure the spasticity of patients with brain lesions.

. [Purpose] The purpose of the present study was to investigate the clinical usefulness (reliability and validity) of the pendulum test using a Noland-Kuckhoff (NK) table with an attached electrogoniometer to measure the spasticity of patients with brain lesions. [Subjects] The subjects were 31 patients with stroke or traumatic brain injury. [Methods] The intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) was used to verify the test–retest reliability of spasticity measures obtained using the pendulum test. Pearson's product correlation coefficient was used to examine the validity of the pendulum test using the amplitude of the patellar tendon reflex (PTR) test, an objective and quantitative measure of spasticity. [Results] The test–retest reliability was high, reflecting a significant correlation between the test and the retest (ICCs = 0.95–0.97). A significant negative correlation was found between the amplitude of the PTR test and the four variables measured in the pendulum test (r = −0.77– −0.85). [Conclusion] The pendulum test using a NK table is an objective measure of spasticity and can be used in the clinical setting in place of more expensive and complicated equipment. Further studies are needed to investigate the therapeutic effect of this method on spasticity.

Alterations in body composition and spasticity following subtetanic neuromuscular electrical stimulation training in spinal cord injury

The objective of this prospective cohort study was to investigate alterations in body composition variables and spasticity following subtetanic neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) training in an adult population with spinal cord injury (SCI). Fourteen sedentary adults with SCI (thoracic [T]4-T11; American Spinal Injury Association Impairment Scale A/B; time since injury: 10.17 +/- 11.17 yr) were recruited from the National SCI database. Four adhesive electrodes (175 cm2 each) were placed bilaterally on the proximal and distal quadriceps and hamstrings muscle groups and subtetanic contractions were elicited using a handheld NMES device. Lean body mass (LBM) and other body composition variables were measured using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Spasticity was measured using the Spinal Cord Assessment Tool for Spastic Reflexes (SCATs) and visual analog scales. Verbal and written feedback was obtained to subjectively evaluate spasticity. LBM and spasticity measurements were taken before and after an 8 wk NMES training program in order to assess change. A statistically significant increase in lower-limb LBM, i.e., muscle tissue (p > 0.001), and a reduction in SCATs (p < 0.001) score, indicating reduced spasticity, was observed. Subjective responses were positive. Improvements in body composition and SCATs scores indicate that subtetanic NMES training elicits favorable responses and may have important clinical implications for an SCI population.

Modulatory effects of locomotor training on extensor spasticity in individuals with motor-incomplete spinal cord injury

Sparse data exist about effects of locomotor training on spasticity in individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI). We investigated changes in spastic responses in individuals with motor-incomplete SCI (MISCI) associated with locomotor training and examined properties of a biomechanical measure of clonus severity, plantar flexor reflex threshold angle (PF RTA). In 18 individuals with chronic MISCI, we assessed biomechanical and electrophysiologic measures of extensor spasticity and their relationship with walking speed before and after 12 weeks of body-weight supported locomotor training. Measures included PF RTA, plantar flexor (ankle clonus) and quadriceps spasm duration, soleus H-reflex, and ankle muscle electromyography. PF RTA validity was assessed by measuring PF RTA and clonus duration in 40 individuals with SCI and 10 non-disabled individuals. Locomotor training was associated with decreased PF RTA (p = 0.06), ankle clonus (p = 0.09) and quadriceps spasm (p = 0.05). PF RTA discriminated between non-disabled individuals and individuals with SCI and was moderately correlated with walking speed, soleus H/M ratio, and quadriceps spasm duration. In persons with spastic paresis due to MISCI, locomotor training was associated with decreased spasticity as measured by decreased plantar flexor excitability, ankle clonus, and quadriceps spasm.

Test-retest and inter-rater reliability of a method to measure wrist and finger spasticity

To describe the reliability of an instrument (Neuro- Flexor) designed to be used in the clinic for quantification of the relative contribution of spasticity, elasticity and viscosity to resistance during passive wrist movements. A test-retest and inter-rater reliability study. A convenience sample of 34 adults with chronic stroke with spasticity in the hand, and a reference group of 10 healthy persons. Two raters assessed the participants with the NeuroFlexor. Elastic, viscous and neural components of passive movement resistance were quantified at the wrist. Test-retest and inter-rater intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC2.1) were calculated for each component for both raters and two sessions. Degree of measurement error was evaluated using the coefficient of variation and the repeatability coefficient. Reliability was high for the neural component (test-retest: 0.90-0.96; inter-rater: 0.90-0.94), fair to good for the elastic component (test-retest: 0.79-0.88; inter-rater: 0.76-0.76), and fair to high for the viscous component (test-retest: 0.88-0.90; inter-rater: 0.75-0.80). Based on test-retest data, the coefficients of variation for the neural, elastic and viscous components were 25%, 26% and 16%, respectively, and the repeatability coefficients were 1.798, 1.897 and 1.404, respectively. The NeuroFlexor instrument is a reliable measure of spasticity and of muscle elasticity and viscosity in individuals with wrist and finger muscle resistance to passive stretch after stroke.

Psychometric evidence of spasticity measurement tools in cerebral palsy children and adolescents: A systematic review

To conduct a systematic review using validated critical appraisal scales to analyze both the quality and content of the psychometric evidence of spasticity measurement tools in cerebral palsy children and adolescents. The literature search was performed in 3 databases (Pubmed, CINAHL, Embase) up to March 2012. To be retained for detailed review, studies had to report on at least one psychometric property of one or many spasticity assessment tool(s) used to evaluate cerebral palsy children and adolescents. Two raters independently reviewed admissible articles using a critical appraisal scale and a structured data extraction form. A total of 19 studies examining 17 spasticity assessment tools in cerebral palsy children and adolescents were reviewed. None of the reviewed tools demonstrated satisfactory results for all psychometric properties evaluated, and a major lack of evidence concerning responsiveness was emphasized. However, neurophysiological tools demonstrated the most promising results in terms of reliability and discriminating validity. This systematic review revealed insufficient psychometric evidence for a single spasticity assessment tool to be recommended over the others in pediatric and adolescent populations.

Rootless Century

Rootless Century

A clinical measurement to quantify spasticity in children with cerebral palsy by integration of multidimensional signals

Most clinical tools for measuring spasticity, such as the Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS) and the Modified Tardieu Scale (MTS), are not sufficiently accurate or reliable. This study investigated the clinimetric properties of an instrumented spasticity assessment. Twenty-eight children with spastic cerebral palsy (CP) and 10 typically developing (TD) children were included. Six of the children with CP were retested to evaluate reliability. To quantify spasticity in the gastrocnemius (GAS) and medial hamstrings (MEH), three synchronized signals were collected and integrated: surface electromyography (sEMG); joint-angle characteristics; and torque. Muscles were manually stretched at low velocity (LV) and high velocity (HV). Spasticity parameters were extracted from the change in sEMG and in torque between LV and HV. Reliability was determined with intraclass-correlation coefficients and the standard error of measurement; validity by assessing group differences and correlating spasticity parameters with the MAS and MTS. Reliability was moderately high for both muscles. Spasticity parameters in both muscles were higher in children with CP than in TD children, showed moderate correlation with the MAS for both muscles and good correlation to the MTS for the MEH. Spasticity assessment based on multidimensional signals therefore provides reliable and clinically relevant measures of spasticity. Moreover, the moderate correlations of the MAS and MTS with the objective parameters further stress the added value of the instrumented measurements to detect and investigate spasticity, especially for the GAS.

Spasticity in children

Spasticity is a wide spectrum disease that affects all age groups. Spasticity in children may have diverse etiologies; this article will focus on children with spasticity, most of whom have diagnoses of cerebral palsy; as approximately two thirds of all cerebral palsy patients suffer from spasticity. This review is meant to discuss various aspects of spasticity; nomenclature over succes- sive decades, clinical manifestations; including clinical examination tips, etiology, pathogenesis and pathophysiology were also high lightened. We are discussing well established, as well as other recent measures of management spasticity in view of diagnostic, as well as therapeutic approaches; includ- ing two clinical vignettes.

Measurement of synergy and spasticity during functional movement of the post-stoke hemiplegic upper limb

The aim of the present study was to measure the muscle-contraction patterns of the hemiplegic upper limb using electromyography (EMG) and to investigate the relationship between muscle co-contraction and functional recovery in stroke patients presenting with synergy and spasticity. The muscle-contraction patterns of the upper limb of 12 chronic stroke patients and 10 normal volunteers were measured, and the co-contraction in the distal and proximal muscles was simultaneously quantified, while the participants performed hand-grasp and shoulder flexion tasks. The spasticity and hemiplegic arm function were evaluated, respectively, on a modified Ashworth scale (MAS) and by means of Fugl-Meyer motor assessment (FMA). The correlation between the MAS and FMA values was analyzed.Increased co-contraction (66–555%) was observed in both the proximal and distal upper limbs, and was positively correlated with spasticity of the elbow flexor (r=0.944 on shoulder flexion, r=0.741 on hand grasping, p<0.01) and negatively correlated with functional recovery of the upper limb (r=−0.670 ∼ −0.884, p<0.05). Specific movement patterns influenced by synergy and spasticity were confirmed by EMG. These results might prove useful to the formulation of appropriate management plans such as those involving botulinum toxin injection or nerve block.

Degeneration of serotonergic neurons in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: a link to spasticity

Spasticity is a common and disabling symptom observed in patients with central nervous system diseases, including amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, a disease affecting both upper and lower motor neurons. In amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, spasticity is traditionally thought to be the result of degeneration of the upper motor neurons in the cerebral cortex, although degeneration of other neuronal types, in particular serotonergic neurons, might also represent a cause of spasticity. We performed a pathology study in seven patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and six control subjects and observed that central serotonergic neurons suffer from a degenerative process with prominent neuritic degeneration, and sometimes loss of cell bodies in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Moreover, distal serotonergic projections to spinal cord motor neurons and hippocampus systematically degenerated in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. In SOD1 (G86R) mice, a transgenic model of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, serotonin levels were decreased in brainstem and spinal cord before onset of motor symptoms. Furthermore, there was noticeable atrophy of serotonin neuronal cell bodies along with neuritic degeneration at disease onset. We hypothesized that degeneration of serotonergic neurons could underlie spasticity in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and investigated this hypothesis in vivo using tail muscle spastic-like contractions in response to mechanical stimulation as a measure of spasticity. In SOD1 (G86R) mice, tail muscle spastic-like contractions were observed at end-stage. Importantly, they were abolished by 5-hydroxytryptamine-2b/c receptors inverse agonists. In line with this, 5-hydroxytryptamine-2b receptor expression was strongly increased at disease onset. In all, we show that serotonergic neurons degenerate during amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and that this might underlie spasticity in mice. Further research is needed to determine whether inverse agonists of 5-hydroxytryptamine-2b/c receptors could be of interest in treating spasticity in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.

Poststroke Spasticity Management

Poststroke spasticity (PSS) is a common complication associated with other signs and symptoms of the upper motor neuron syndrome, including agonist/antagonist co-contraction, weakness, and lack of coordination. Together, they result in impairments and functional problems that can predispose to costly complications. The goal of PSS management should take into consideration not only reduction of muscle hypertonia but also the impact of PSS on function and well-being. Therapeutic interventions focus on peripheral and central strategies, such as physical techniques to increase muscle length through stretching and pharmacological modulation. Although there are few comparative studies on the superiority of one method over another, it appears that optimal management of PSS involves a combined and coordinated compendium of therapies that encompass cost-effective pharmacological and surgical interventions, along with rehabilitative efforts. Spasticity, commonly defined as “a motor disorder characterized by a velocity-dependent increase in tonic stretch reflexes with exaggerated tendon jerks, resulting from hyperexcitability of the stretch reflex, as one component of the upper motor neuron syndrome,”1 is a common complication of stroke. It contributes to the impairments and disabilities that negatively impact functional recovery. Consequently, PSS, along with weakness and lack of coordination, result in gait abnormalities and problems with arm use. In addition to functional limitations, spasticity, when inappropriately treated, may lead to reduced quality of life, increased pain, and joint contractures. Three community-based studies that followed-up stroke survivors for 3 to 12 months reported an incidence of PSS between 17% and 43%.2–4 Certain factors are recognized as predictors of PSS: stroke lesions in the brain stem; hemorrhagic stroke and younger age;5 and severe paresis and hemihypesthesia at stroke onset.3 To quantify the full impact of PSS, assessment should include a measure of passive stretch, volitional movement, and active/passive function.6,7 The benefit of …

The use of botulinum toxin type A in the management of adult‐onset focal spasticity: A survey of Australian allied health professionals

Recently, the European Journal of Neurology published international consensus statements for the assessment, treatment and aftercare associated with the use of botulinum neurotoxin type A. This survey examined current allied health practice in relation to botulinum neurotoxin type A use in Australia in the light of these guidelines. An electronic questionnaire was distributed to members of neurology groups of the Australian Physiotherapy Association and Occupational Therapy Australia. The questionnaire explored assessment processes used, familiarity with pharmaceutical benefits scheme indications for botulinum neurotoxin type A use, goal setting and outcome measurement, follow-up therapy and access to spasticity management services. The 123 survey respondents (81 from the Australian Physiotherapy Association - response rate 16.2%, 42 from Occupational Therapy Australia - response rate 6.4%) reported that focal spasticity was a major problem for which botulinum neurotoxin type A was a primary intervention. The Tardieu scale was more frequently used than the modified Ashworth scale (82% vs. 48%). Most therapists (76.3%) reported being confident diagnosing spasticity and its functional implications (84.2%), but fewer were confident discussing referral for botulinum neurotoxin type A with doctors (56.1%). Goals were set in conjunction with the client (93.6%). Barriers to injection and adjunctive therapy (motor training etc.) included waiting times for botulinum neurotoxin type A injection, access to specialist adjunctive therapists and referral for treatment. Allied health practitioners in Australia report clinical practice to be closely aligned with international guidelines for the use of botulinum neurotoxin type A in adult spasticity. Therapist confidence in advocating for botulinum neurotoxin type A injection, consistent use of objective measures of spasticity and treatment outcomes and barriers to providing adjunctive therapy need to be addressed.

Test–retest reliability of computerised hand dynamometry in adults with acquired brain injury

The ability to objectively and reliably measure hand performance over time is critical to monitor patient performance and evaluate treatment efficacy. Current spasticity measures are subjective in nature and fail to capture the complexity of the multi-faceted upper motor neuron syndrome. This study examined the test-retest reliability of dynamic computerised hand dynamometry for simultaneously measuring multiple aspects of positive and negative features of the upper motor neuron syndrome during an active grasp and release task. Community-living adults with upper motor neuron syndrome following acquired brain injury attending metropolitan spasticity clinics for management of upper limb spasticity (N = 36; mean age 50 years ±15) and control participants (N = 27, mean age 40 years ±12) completed a computerised hand dynamometry protocol across two testing occasions 5 weeks apart. Objective measurement of Isometric Force, Cycle Duration and Isometric Grip Work, Force Velocity, was completed during a repeated grasp and release test protocol with a computerised hand dynamometer to evaluate the reliability and reproducibility of hand performance. Kendall Coefficient of Concordance W scores ranged from W = 0.69-0.98 for motor elements of grasp and release, including Isometric Force, Cycle Duration, Isometric Grip Work and Force Velocity. The investigated dynamic computerised hand dynamometry protocol showed fair/good to excellent levels of test-retest reliability in control participants and in subjects with upper motor neuron syndrome following acquired brain injury.

Quantified spasticity measurement for gastrocnemius and hamstrings by integration of multi-dimensional signals, in children with cerebral palsy

Quantified spasticity measurement for gastrocnemius and hamstrings by integration of multi-dimensional signals, in children with cerebral palsy

Spasticity changes in SCI following a dynamic standing program using the Segway

A pilot prospective pre- and post-intervention study. To determine whether a dynamic standing program using the Segway Personal Transporter results in any measurable physiological effects in individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI) using both qualitative and quantitative measures of spasticity, pain and fatigue. International Collaboration of Repair Discoveries (ICORD) Research Centre, Vancouver, BC, Canada. Eight individuals with SCI ASIA (American Spinal Injury Association) A-D, who could stand with or without the assistance of bracing or supports, participated in a 4-week dynamic standing program using a Segway (3 per week, 30-min sessions). The main outcome was spasticity as measured by the Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS). Secondary measures included the SCI-Spasticity Evaluation Tool, Pain Outcomes Questionnaire, and Fatigue Severity Scale. The dynamic standing sessions were associated with immediate improvements in spasticity (MAS) (P<0.001) and self-reported pain (P<0.05). Fatigue levels decreased, however this was not significant. There is little evidence to suggest that these beneficial outcomes may have lasting effects. Dynamic standing on the Segway may be effective for short-term spasticity reduction and decreased pain and fatigue. Future work should examine a larger sample size and help to propose mechanisms for potential reductions in spasticity.

Can Botulinum Toxin Decrease Carer Burden in Long Term Care Residents With Upper Limb Spasticity? A Randomized Controlled Study

To evaluate whether botulinum toxin can decrease the burden for caregivers of long term care patients with severe upper limb spasticity. This was a double-blind placebo-controlled trial with a 24-week follow-up period. A 250-bed long term care hospital, the infirmary units of 3 regional hospitals, and 5 care and attention homes. Participants included 55 long term care patients with significant upper limb spasticity and difficulty in basic upper limb care. Patients were randomized into 2 groups that received either intramuscular botulinum toxin A or saline. The primary outcome measure was provided by the carer burden scale. Secondary outcomes included goal attainment scale, measure of spasticity by modified Ashworth score, passive range of movement for shoulder abduction, and elbow extension and finger extension. Pain was assessed using the Pain Assessment in Advanced Dementia Scale. A total of 55 patients (21 men; mean age = 69, SD =18) were recruited. At week 6 post-injection, 18 (60%) of 30 patients in the treatment group versus 2 (8%) of 25 patients in the control group had a significant 4-point reduction of carer burden scale (P < .001). There was also significant improvement in the goal attainment scale, as well as the modified Ashworth score, resting angle, and passive range of movement of the 3 regions (shoulder, elbow, and fingers) in the treatment group which persisted until week 24. There were also fewer spontaneous bone fractures after botulinum toxin injection, although this did not reach statistical significance. No significant difference in Pain Assessment in Advanced Dementia scale was found between the 2 groups. No serious botulinum toxin type A-related adverse effects were reported. Long term care patients who were treated for upper limb spasticity with intramuscular injections of botulinum toxin A had a significant decrease in the caregiver burden. The treatment was also associated with improved scores on patient-centered outcome measures.

Development of the Persian version of the Modified Modified Ashworth Scale: translation, adaptation, and examination of interrater and intrarater reliability in patients with poststroke elbow flexor spasticity

Purpose: Development of the Persian version of the Modified Modified Ashworth Scale (MMAS), and to investigate the interrater and intrarater reliability of the Persian MMAS when used to quantify elbow flexor spasticity in patients after stroke. Methods: The Persian MMAS was developed by the forward and backward translation procedure, a final review by an expert committee, and testing for acceptability and the clarity of item wording so that the scale could be used by Persian-speaking examiners. Psychometric testing included interrater and intrarater reliability. Elbow flexor spasticity was examined by two raters in 30 patients after stroke twice on two occasions using the Persian MMAS. The weighted κ was used for the statistical analysis. Results: The interrater and intrarater reliability was very good for the Persian MMAS (weighted κ: 0.81–0.91; 95% CI 0.68–0.98) with statistically significant agreement between raters and within raters (all p < 0.001). Conclusions: The Persian version of the MMAS was successfully developed. The Persian MMAS showed very good interrater and intrarater reliability in patients with elbow flexor spasticity after stroke. The results support the use of the Persian version of the MMAS both in clinical and research settings.Implications for RehabilitationThe new Modified Modified Ashworth Scale (MMAS) is a clinical measure of spasticity, which was published in 2006 by Ansari et al.The MMAS was successfully translated and adapted into a Persian version. The Persian version of the MMAS showed very good interrater and intrarater reliability comparable to the original English version. The Persian version of the MMAS can be recommended for the assessment of muscle spasticity in Persian-speaking countries.

Altered patterns of reflex excitability, balance, and locomotion following spinal cord injury and locomotor training.

Spasticity is an important problem that complicates daily living in many individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI). While previous studies in human and animals revealed significant improvements in locomotor ability with treadmill locomotor training, it is not known to what extent locomotor training influences spasticity. In addition, it would be of considerable practical interest to know how the more ergonomically feasible cycle training compares with treadmill training as therapy to manage SCI-induced spasticity and to improve locomotor function. Thus the main objective of our present studies was to evaluate the influence of different types of locomotor training on measures of limb spasticity, gait, and reflex components that contribute to locomotion. For these studies, 30 animals received midthoracic SCI using the standard Multicenter Animal Spinal cord Injury Studies (MASCIS) protocol (10 g 2.5 cm weight drop). They were divided randomly into three equal groups: control (contused untrained), contused treadmill trained, and contused cycle trained. Treadmill and cycle training were started on post-injury day 8. Velocity-dependent ankle torque was tested across a wide range of velocities (612–49°/s) to permit quantitation of tonic (low velocity) and dynamic (high velocity) contributions to lower limb spasticity. By post-injury weeks 4 and 6, the untrained group revealed significant velocity-dependent ankle extensor spasticity, compared to pre-surgical control values. At these post-injury time points, spasticity was not observed in either of the two training groups. Instead, a significantly milder form of velocity-dependent spasticity was detected at postcontusion weeks 8–12 in both treadmill and bicycle training groups at the four fastest ankle rotation velocities (350–612°/s). Locomotor training using treadmill or bicycle also produced significant increase in the rate of recovery of limb placement measures (limb axis, base of support, and open field locomotor ability) and reflex rate-depression, a quantitative assessment of neurophysiological processes that regulate segmental reflex excitability, compared with those of untrained injured controls. Light microscopic qualitative studies of spared tissue revealed better preservation of myelin, axons, and collagen morphology in both locomotor trained animals. Both locomotor trained groups revealed decreased lesion volume (rostro-caudal extension) and more spared tissue at the lesion site. These improvements were accompanied by marked upregulation of BDNF, GABA/GABAb, and monoamines (e.g., norepinephrine and serotonin) which might account for these improved functions. These data are the first to indicate that the therapeutic efficacy of ergonomically practical cycle training is equal to that of the more labor-intensive treadmill training in reducing spasticity and improving locomotion following SCI in an animal model.