quantitative measure of muscle spasticity

I'm glad there at least some researchers out there who think spasticity is worth looking into. At least if this can be quantitatively measured then interventions could be measured as to how much improvement there is.

Developing a quantitative measure of muscle spasticity

Quantitative measurement of spasticity is necessary and can contribute to clinical rehabilitation management, which aims to restore and/or improve function in the affected part of the body. The proposed study shows that by using computerized motional analysis systems, a more quantitative measurement of muscle spasticity can be obtained. High speed, high resolution, infrared, stroboscopic cameras are used to capture kinematic data of the hip, knee, and ankle during pendulum knee drop test. Electromagnetic sensors are used to gather angular motion data of the knee and ankle joint during performance of this test. Implementation of these methods provides accurate, consistent, and reproducible quantification of muscle spasticity, which can be used to assess the effectiveness of clinical treatments.
Another quantitative way to measure it is with inertial sensors
http://www.sciencedirect.com/science?_ob=ArticleURL&_udi=B6T6Y-51MCG33-2&_user=10&_coverDate=02%2F28%2F2011&_rdoc=9&_fmt=high&_orig=browse&_origin=browse&_zone=rslt_list_item&_srch=doc-info(%23toc%235043%232011%23999669997%232909755%23FLA%23display%23Volume)&_cdi=5043&_sort=d&_docanchor=&_ct=34&_acct=C000050221&_version=1&_urlVersion=0&_userid=10&md5=cdad1b7dfd4060b718717d033d0043e1&searchtype=a

 

Background

Spasticity is often clinically assessed with the Tardieu Scale, using goniometry to measure the range of motion and angle of catch. However, the test–retest and inter-rater reliability of these measurements have been questioned. Inertial sensors (IS) have been developed to measure orientation in space and are suggested to be a more appropriate tool than goniometry to measure angles in Tardieu Scale measurements.

Objective

To compare the test–retest and inter-rater reliability of Tardieu Scale scores measured with IS and goniometry.

Methods

Two physiotherapists performed Tardieu Scale measurements in two sessions, using both goniometry and IS, to quantify spasticity in elbow flexors of 13 stroke patients.

Results

For goniometry, test–retest and inter-rater reliability proved to be excellent (ICC 0.86) and fair to good (ICC 0.66), respectively. For IS, both test–retest (ICC 0.76) and inter-rater reliability (ICC 0.84) were excellent.

Conclusions
Inertial sensors are reliable and accurate to use in Tardieu Scale measurements to quantify spasticity in the elbow flexors of hemiplegic stroke patients.

I do know that both my biceps and triceps have some spasticity which would be useful to measure to see if it has lessened in 4 years.


You'll have to buy the articles if you want more info.
Once again trying to suggest something for the medical staff to use.