《Chinese Journal of Rehabilitation Theory and Practice》 ›› 1999, Vol. 5 ›› Issue (02): 75-79.

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Isoknetic Dynamometric Technique for the Quantitative Assessment of Spasticity

Ji Shurong,Yang Jinshu   

  1. Chinese Journal of Rehabilitation Theory & Practice.-1999,5(1):75~79
  • Received:1998-09-25 Published:1999-06-25 Online:1999-06-25

Abstract: Spasticity is a common problem in upper motor neuron lesions.Assessment of spasticity is extremely valuable in quantifying the effects of a therapeutic intervention.But it is,in other hand,a difficult and challenging problem.Objective:The present study was undertaken to determine the feasibility of quantifying spasticity by the pendulum test using the isokinetic dynamometric technique.We suggest that this machine can be used to perform pendulum test to quantify spasticity.Method:We studied the lower limb muscle tone in 34 spastic subjects,and in 9 flaccid paralysis control subjects,and 10 normal control subjects.Result:Typical pendulun test goniograms of each group were obtained and 5 parameters are extracted from the goniograms to evaluate the degree of spasticity. They are:Al(the flexion angle of the first drop)、R1(relaxation index)、R2(amplitude ratio)、T(time of swings)、F(frequency of swings).The correlation coefficients are calculated to determine the reliability of the parameters(>0.90 for three consecutive test;>0.80 for different days).The validity is determined by t test(p<0.01).Conclusion:The method of using isokinetic dynamometric technique combining pendulum test to quantify spasticity is a reliable,valid,accurate and convenient method of assessing spasticity.

Key words: spasticity, quantification, isokinetic dynamometer