An Instrument for the Bedside Quantification of Spasticity: A Pilot Study

Abstract

Spasticity is a velocity-dependent phenomenon; the quicker the limb is moved the more resistance is encountered. A compact, portable instrument was constructed for recording the angle at the knee, the rate of change of angle (angular velocity) and the force encountered at the ankle when the limb was flexed. A pilot study was performed on 5 normal volunteers and 5 patients with spasticity. A preliminary index of spasticity was extracted from the measurements, being 0.163+/-0.059 N.s/deg (mean+/-SD) for the patients and 0.052+/-0.030 N.s/deg for the normal group.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Oct 25, 2001
Accession Number
ADA411814

Entities

People

  • B. J. Western
  • H. Griffiths
  • M. Thomas
  • R. Van Deursen
  • T. Hughes

Organizations

  • University Hospital of Wales

Tags

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Abstracts
  • Acquisition
  • Analog Signals
  • Biomechanical Phenomena
  • Biomedical Engineering
  • Computers
  • Data Acquisition
  • Engineering
  • Head Injuries
  • Health Services
  • Hospitals
  • Laptop Computers
  • Measurement
  • Multiple Sclerosis
  • Pilot Studies
  • Resistance
  • Universities

Fields of Study

  • Medicine

Readers

  • Exercise and Sports Science.
  • Fluid Dynamics.
  • Trauma or Military Medicine